Proper House Guest Etiquette

It can sometimes feel awkward to be a guest in someone else’s home – you want to do everything right, but it can be difficult to know exactly what your hosts expect of you. Some hosts will want to spend every waking moment showing you around, while others will be more comfortable if you take care of your own schedule. There are, however, some tried-and-true things you can do to ensure that you’re invited back again and again.

1. Keep Your Things Tidy. And I mean tidy. No dirty socks lying around for the family dog to drag into the kitchen, no overflowing bags in the middle of the room, no wet towels on the floor. This is especially important if you’re staying in someone’s living room – when you get up in the morning, immediately take the sheets off the couch, fold them neatly, and put them off to one side, so that the living room is returned to its original purpose.

2. Err On The Side of Staying For Less Time. Your hosts can always encourage you to stay longer if they want to, but you definitely shouldn’t overstay your welcome.

3. Bring a Gift. A lovely floral arrangement or some baked goods are always welcome and if you’re staying for more than two nights arrange to take care of a meal (either pick up the tab at a restaurant or, if that’s outside your budget, cook up a little something inexpensive, like a pasta dish).

4. When You Leave, Restore Order to the Space. Place your towels in the laundry basket and arrange your sheets neatly. Everything should look just as it was when you arrived.

-- Jordan Reid, NonSociety.com

Jordan Reid is the "Domestic Bliss" specialist at NonSociety.com, where she writes about cooking, entertaining, home decor, DIY projects, and married life in general.

Visit Jordan's blog at: http://jordan.nonsociety.com