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Your Presence Is Important
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"Etiquette is an extension of your elegance and dignity."
Hosting Tips
Make sure your guest feels comfortable from the beginning to the end of their stay.
Welcome your guest with a warm greeting. Inform your guest of house rules to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding during their stay.
Clean ahead of time.
Prepare the room for your guest a couple of days prior to their arrival. To avoid bed bugs in your home from traveling guests, place a luggage rack in the room. Also, lace a bed bug preventer box between the mattress and the box spring.
Dining Expectations
Ask your guest ahead of time if s/he has any allergies (food or pet).
Organize your home.
Prepare enough room for your guest to hang their coat/jacket (and other items) when they arrive.
Guest room.
Prepare your guest room with items that they will appreciate (alarm clock, clean towels, extra sheets, passcode for internet access, and new pillows for the bed).
Designate arrival time.
Inform your guest ahead of time what time they should arrive at your home. If you are preparing the holiday feast, let your guest know ahead of time how man people you have invited, as well as the attire for the holiday being celebrated.
Accept help from your guest.
If you are preparing daily meals for your family and visiting guests, and they offer to assist, let them
HAVE FUN!!!
Show your guest a great time while they are visiting.
Tips for a House Guest
Be clear about your length of stay.
Be respectful of your host's space and time. Don't overstay your welcome. I recommend no more than three nights.
Don't surprise your host.
Ask in advance if you can bring your significant other/child/pet.
Are gifts appropriate to bring to your guest?
Yes; Bringing a gift is always proper guest etiquette (e.g. their favorite dessert, beverage, or a nice monogrammed gift).
Always lend a helping hand.
Help with dishes, buy groceries, setting the table, etc.
Always keep the guest room clean.
Make the bed when you get up in the morning; Your clothes should never be left on the floor or all over the room. NEVER put your bags/purse/suitcase on the bed (this could cause bedbugs). Leave the house as neat as possible.
Ask and respect house rules.
Never assume! Ask your host if you should remove your shoes in the house. Respect the noise level in the house, and never talk to someone on speakerphone in their home. Ask where you should park your vehicle during the course of your stay.
Respect their private spaces.
Guests should never go in someone's bedroom or private bathroom.
Offer to pay for dinner.
A host will always purchase extra food and beverage items prior to your arrival. Offer to take them out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Stay out of family discussions.
If your host is having a conversation with other family members in the house, keep your comments to yourself (unless they ask you for your feedback). The best thing to do is politely exit the conversation.
Be polite always.
During the holiday season, several friends and family will stop by to visit (sometimes unexpected). Key reminder; You are a guest at someone's home. Be polite, engage in conversation (if appropriate), and don't offend anyone. Leave certain subject matters at the door.
Going out and coming in.
If you decide to go out without your host (and their family), RESPECT their home and come in at a decent time. If you are going to be late, let them know in advance. I recommend no later than 10:00 pm.
Always send a "Thank You" note after your visit.
After your visit, send the host a "Thank You" note in writing.
Tips for a Host or Hostess (Holiday Season)
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