Holiday Houseguest Etiquette for 2021

After months of postponing travel and staying home for the holidays for the past two years, people are feeling more comfortable making plans to visit extended friends and family. But… hold on … before you start packing your bags and taking it on the road, knowing how to be a considerate houseguest requires some updated etiquette knowledge based on varying levels of virus concerns, as well as some tarnished social skills due to lack of use. While all of these rules may not apply to your personal comfort level, I’m sharing holiday houseguest etiquette for 2021 to get you thinking before the season.

2021 Holiday Houseguest Etiquette

Ask Pertinent Questions in Advance

If you have concerns about vaccination status, pet or food allergies, or anything specific that you need clarification on, don’t hesitate to ask your host. You may also ask if they plan to have other guests over during your stay that may not be vaccinated, and if they will be bringing along their pets. If you feel strongly about an issue, let your host know before you arrive.

Watch Your Hosts Lead When Greeting

You may be in the same house but on different wavelengths when it comes to proximity. For example, some people are natural huggers, while others may still be holding back. It can be uncomfortable to try and figure out what to do, so let the host take the lead. If they reach out for a hug, or hold back with a genuine smile, follow their gestures. You can also ask, “Are we hugging yet?” in a friendly, upbeat, jovial tone of voice.

Bring a Hostess Gift and Something to Share

Never arrive empty-handed. A thoughtful hostess gift is something you feel the host will use and enjoy after you have gone. When it comes to food you will share, make it something that is individually packaged (for sanitary reasons right now) or people are able to eat without finger to food contact.

Give Your Host Plenty of Space

Your family or friends may be offering you a guest room, meals and lovely accommodations, but they still have to conduct daily business. So plan to venture out on your own and don’t expect them to be your personal tour guide.

Go With the Flow

If your host prefers you walk around the house in bare feet rather than shoes, follow their lead. If breakfast is served at the kitchen table and you are invited, wake up early and be a part of the family during your stay. You may not generally eat a late dinner, but your host has made plans for a beautiful dinner party in your honor, starting at 7:30 pm. Adjust your schedule to fit into theirs.

Find Your Own Transportation

Don’t rely on your host to provide you with one of their cars while you visit. Instead, plan to rent a car, use a ride-share or take the subway to get to where you are going.

Keep Things Tidy

While it might be tempting to leave your bed unmade and close the door behind you for the day, make sure your room is left neat and clean before you leave for the day. This includes picking up your clothes from the floor, making the bed and hanging wet towels to dry. Toss the trash in your room and bathroom daily. Don’t leave soda cans or coffee cups on the side table, rather bring them to the kitchen and rinse the cup out, or recycle the cans.

Send a Thank You Note

More than ever, hosts have to jump through hoops to make sure everything is perfectly clean and sanitized to their guests’ comfort level. Remember to send a heartfelt note of gratitude within 24 to 48 hours upon your return.

Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Fall Travel Etiquette: 6 Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling this Season. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.