Holiday Houseguest Etiquette

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to polish up on our houseguest manners. Keep reading for some commonly asked questions as featured on FOX 7 Austin.

1. What are some good holiday houseguest etiquette tips?

• Have no expectations – don’t expect to be waited on during your stay
• Make your bed EVERY morning
• Pitch in with the meals
• Set the table
• Take out the trash
• Purchase basic staples such as milk, menu items, wine you prefer to eat and drink
• Replace what you drink in the bar area
• Pick up wet towels and clothing off the floor

2. Do I need to bring a hostess gift since it’s not a cocktail party?

Yes. Even more so because you are staying at your host’s home for multiple days. Bring something you can easily pack in your suitcase or have something delivered in advance.

3. Do I need to tell my host I am sick if I have been feeling under the weather?

Yes. Not only do you need to let your host know if you are sick, you should probably think twice before taking the trip. If you are still feverish, it’s best to stay home or make other accommodation plans so you won’t infect your host and their family.

4. Does a good host offer the use of their vehicle during their guests visit?

No. You are not a hotel and it’s not your responsibility to offer a courtesy car. It’s not necessary to give your guests your car unless you aren’t going to be using it. The guest should assume they will be responsible for their own transportation during their holiday visit.

5. If I’m allergic to dogs, can I expect my host to keep their four legged friend outside?

No. If you are allergic to their pet, you might need to rethink your visit or ask another friend or family member if they have room in their home to offer you. Their four legged friend is part of their family and taking the dog out of his daily routine may not be in their comfort zone. Nor may they want to isolate their pet or spend money boarding him during your visit.

6. Is it rude to bring my own food to eat during our stay because my host doesn’t cook healthy and I don’t want my kids to eat “junk”?

Yes. Unless you, or a family member is on a special diet for medical or true health reasons, you should either offer to cook the meals, or purchase and share your food with the entire family. Bringing your own food suggests their food and choices are lacking.

7. If a disaster occurs, such as clogging the toilet or flooding the washing machine, do I offer to pay for the service to fix it if I was the last one using it?

Yes, it would be a polite gesture. You may offer to pay for the service but a good host will decline your offer because there were probably having issues with the toilet before you arrived. A good host would also do their best to take care of the problem before their guest experiences the uncomfortable situation.

The Ultimate Holiday Toolkit E-Course:
I’ll be serving up my favorite holiday tips to make your season merry and bright. My Ultimate Holiday Toolkit e-course will cover everything from hosting a party, setting a table, being a gracious guest, holiday tipping (who to tip and how much) and so much more. You’ll get practical tips and helpful printable guides for easy reference. Join the waitlist and be the first to know when the doors open!