Be a great houseguest, and you’ll always be welcomed back to stay.
There’s an old saying about both fish and house guests smelling after three days, so take that as a warning to not overstay your welcome at a friend or family member’s home. Instead, arrange before you visit how long you will be there, making sure it’s no longer than two days. If you need to stay somewhere longer, offer to go to a nearby hotel for part of the trip. It may not be the most economical solution, but it will ensure you and the host remain friends after the visit. After you’ve scheduled your visit, follow even one of the tips below, and you’ll always be the guest invited to come back and stay awhile.
Bring something
The most remembered guests are the ones who bring something thoughtful to the owners of the home. When you arrive at your friend’s home, present the host with a good bottle of wine (ask a wine store employee to recommend a budget-friendly one), box of cookies, flowers, monogrammed initial coffee mug or something for the home. Sites such as Red Envelope.com and Gifts.com specialize in helping you find the perfect item to say, “Thank you for welcoming me into your home.”
Make yourself at home
Well, sort of. In this case, making yourself at home means giving a host the idea that she doesn’t have to go out of her way to make you feel comfortable. Instead of asking her for a glass of water, get it yourself. See if you can locate the towels in a nearby linen closet or cabinet before you ask her where they are. Remind your host how cozy or inviting her home feels and how grateful you are that she let you stay.
Offer to help
Whether you wash the dishes after a meal, fold clean laundry you see lying around (but not underwear), cook dinner for the host one night, take the dog for a walk or straighten the living room, your host will greatly appreciate your help. Your being at your host’s home has slightly thrown off her schedule, so anything you can do to make up that difference will keep your host feeling more at ease.
Clean up after yourself
After you’ve showered, hang up your towel, and throw used linens in the dirty clothes hamper. Even better, if you have the time, wash your linens and towels, fold the towels and put the linens back on the bed. At the very least, make up the bed and put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or hand-wash them.
After you leave, send a thank-you note to the host to reiterate that you had a wonderful time and she made your stay warm and pleasant.
Photo credit: iStockphoto/denisLit
