To be a good host is a pleasant but difficult task, as well as being a pleasant guest. Sometimes it happens that you are invited to visit not for a couple of hours, but for a few days - in another city, country - or it happens that you need to live with someone while your apartment is being renovated. There is a certain etiquette that will allow you to be such a guest who is looking forward to once again.
No surprises
Arrange the dates of your visit in advance, ask the hosts when it will be convenient for them, and try to adapt as much as possible to their wishes. Do not say: "We will arrive at approximately such numbers." Ask: “Can we live with you for this?” Never appear on the doorstep without warning, even if you are sure that it will be a wonderful surprise. Come up with some other pleasant surprise. Also, do not come with friends, children, animals, if you have not agreed on this in advance. No need to think over for the owners, when and to whom they will be happy - ask, ask and ask again.
Yes to gifts
Be sure to buy something for your owners as a gift, but it should be a souvenir that fits your budget, and not an expensive, pathos thing. Also, it should not be a "dust collector", something bulky or too souvenir - a figurine, a vase, a plush toy. Good gifts are:
- if you are coming from another city / country, local delicacies;
- things for the collection of owners, if you know that they are fond of collecting something;
- souvenirs from the wish list of your friends;
- good wine, tea or coffee, depending on the taste preferences of the owners;
- potted or cut flowers for the hostess.
Know the "charter of another monastery"
To avoid any misunderstandings, check with the owners of the internal routine of their home. What time are they used to getting up and going to bed? When should you take a bath? Are there any special rules regarding children and / or pets? Is there something that the owners consider an important rule in their home? Pay attention to how the owners walk on their territory - if in the house it is customary to go out for breakfast in a home dress, you will look somewhat piquant in a light robe. And vice versa, if the hosts greet the morning relaxed, maybe it’s not worth appearing in full dress?
Help but don't host
Offer your help when you need to:
- set the table;
- wash the dishes;
- stop by for any products;
- play with children or take a walk with the dog.
Most likely the owners will reject your offers, but they will be pleased.
Do not even ask, but simply, for granted:
- clean your plate after a meal;
- buy some foods that you consider important in your diet;
- keep your children quiet games;
- if you take the car owners, do not forget to refill the full tank again.
At the same time, if you buy any special products for yourself, take them with the expectation of everyone. Buying no more than you need is possible only if you know that neither the owners nor the household do not eat such food.
If you have forgotten some toiletries, ask the owners where you can buy them. Most likely, you will be offered to use their pasta / shampoo / cream, but do not immediately ask if it is possible to take a host. Do not put people in an uncomfortable position because of your forgetfulness. In addition, never take the last products from the refrigerator - perhaps the hostess put this fruit aside for the child, and without the last sip of milk she will not be able to cook the porridge planned for the morning.
Do not host - do not wash, clean, sweep and lay out, unless you just asked about it!
Have fun
The hosts are not required to entertain you. They can take part in your cultural program with pleasure, but should not come up with it for you. If you are going to see another city / country, discuss with the owners in advance where you want to visit and what to see, they may offer to accompany you or tell you how to plan your trip better, but do not expect them to be your default Chicheron.
