How to be an Amazing Guest

The holidays whether it’s summer, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, means traveling. And traveling brings the need to stay over somewhere. When you’re lucky, you can save money on a hotel by crashing with family or friends. Trust that your loved one has put time, money, and thought into hosting you. It is courteous to show the same respect to him or her. Don’t put 100% ownership of your food and entertainment on the host. If you want to be a great house guest (and be asked back) here are some things to consider:

1. Think light.
   
   No, I’m not talking about actual luggage weight (although revisiting how much you’re packing is completely advised! See our post all about it here.) Instead, think about how to have a “light” presence with your host. How can you be easy to host instead of challenging? When you are staying over somewhere, especially someone else’s home, there is a list a mile long that just got added to your host’s agenda. Take some things off their mind by keeping your space tidy, taking initiative with doing chores (don’t ask, they’ll decline out of politeness), and coming prepared with activities and some meals already planned. You can even send money ahead with a pre-emptive thank note mentioning how excited you are to see them. Sure, there is more work involved, time and consideration, but you aren’t staying at a hotel. It’s a home and you care for them, your reputation, and keeping the peace.
   
   
2. Come bearing gifts.
   
   This one is customary and expected. It’s also a small gesture that shows your appreciation for your host. You can bring flowers, which is traditional, however, if you’re a unique soul, you might want to bring something more special.> Instead of a normal bundle of flowers bring a handmade wreath from a local florist. Simply call ahead and arrange for the perfect combination of flowers and sprigs and pick it up on the way to your friend’s. Or choose a beautiful artificial one like this one from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.
   
   Something nostalgic (book of memories of you and the host together. Shutterfly, Walgreens, or Canva are great resources for this. Shutterfly and Walgreens have more drag and drop options, and while Canva does as well, there are far more possibilities to customize.)
   
   Gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, spa, or activity. After you leave, they will have the opportunity to relax and recharge. Gift certificates or gift cards used to be a no-no in the gift-giving department, considered the lazy alternative to a thoughtful gift. Now, it is the opposite! A GC is a deeply considerate gift for the right person. It takes the pressure off the gift receiver to pretend to be joyful over something they are actually not thrilled with and will end up taking time out of their schedule to either donate or return. It allows them a level of choice a pre-selected gift does not.
   
   
3. Send a thank you note
   
   It’s nice to send a digital thank you, but if you want to really do this right, you need to handwrite a sincere note, address an envelope, press a stamp into the upper right-hand corner, and drop it into a mailbox. You will lift the spirits of your host when they see the personal touch and attention you made.

Here is the perfect Thank You Note format…

The perfect thank you note (is):

• Timely (within one week)
• Handwritten in your best penmanship
• Includes a callback to a specific moment, amenity, or gift your host provided
• Has a promise to keep in touch
• Has a sincere close

Keep these three principles close to your heart as you travel and stay in a loved one’s home and you’ll be their favorite guest! We promise!