If you are attending a lunch party or spending several nights with family members, following etiquette rules as a guest is essential. Remember to show the host all the generosity they require for their time and resources. Remember they accepted to invite you, prepared their home for you, and your entertainment. Reciprocate and appreciate them by demonstrating good conduct. That is the least you could show.
- Reply to an invitation
Being a good guest starts before you set foot in the hosts’ house. In case of an invitation, reply as quickly as possible. If the invitation was received through writing, reply through writing. If it was a verbal invitation, reply either through a phone call, text, or a note, and do it promptly as possible.
On the other hand, if you are not sure whether you will be able to attend, give your dilemma to your host so that they will not deliberate you are disregarding them. Afterward, once you are sure you will or will not attend, give a reply.
- Cary a gift
When visiting a friend or family, it is always good to bring a small gift. You don’t have to spend a fortune getting one, but it can an affordable thoughtful gift. Some of the gifts can include scented candles, a flower, wine, coffee, mugs, or gift card; if you know what the person likes most, the better.
Always consider the taste and preference of your host. For instance, if your host doesn’t take alcohol, you cannot bring them wine or any alcoholic drink. Besides, you would not want to regift them a gift they had given you earlier.
- Arrive on time
Once you have set the arrival time in the invitation, ensure you arrive within 15 minutes. If you arrive too early, you might interfere with the ongoing preparations. Besides, if you arrive too late, you may end up missing something important. There are times you need to get there on time, such as concerts, weddings, funerals, graduation events, among other important life events. Ensure you are settled when the event is starting.
If you encounter something you cannot control, which would make you get late, inform your host.
- Overnight stayer
In conclusion, if you will be staying over for the night, make inquiries on any rules that need to be followed. For example, if your host does not smoke, they may not want their guest to smoke in the house.
Use the available amenities wisely. Do not use dishes and leave them scattered all over the house. It would be wise if you put them in a dishwasher. Furthermore, avert using a lot of towels and washcloths, then leaving them on the bathroom floor. One towel and washcloth should be enough for several days if you dry them on the towel rack.
Respect people’s personal space; don’t surge into a room with the door closed or interrupt conversations. Everyone needs some personal time; hence don’t expect your host to be with you the whole day.
Keep your personal belongings organized and make the bed in the morning.
