6 Tips for Being a Great Guest

This holiday season is the time for family and friends to get together. Many people will be opening their homes to guests and being the host can be stressful for some people. If you are going to be a guest in someone's home this holiday season, remember to take your host into consideration. As a guest, there are several things you can do to be "good company."

1. Bring a hostess gift: A hostess gift shows your host or hostess that you appreciate their kindness and generosity. The gift does not need to be expensive to make it's point. Often a homemade gift of bath products or a candy or baked good is the perfect hostess gift. However, if you will be staying several nights, something a bit more substantial may be in order. Consider the money you will have saved not having to pay for a hotel as you choose your gift. Gourmet chocolates or a beautiful candle gift set make lovely gifts. And if you are extremely grateful to your host's, a beautiful dried table top flower arrangement will last forever and require very little maintenance.

2. Offer to bring something for the meal: If you are a guest in someone's home for just a meal, make sure you offer to bring a dish to help out the hostess. Of course there is a possibility the hostess will have her menu planned and may decline your offer. Make sure she knows that should anything come up, you are willing to help. She will appreciate your thoughtfulness and eagerness to help lighten her load.

3. Clear the table: After your meal or meals, get up and clear the table. This allows the host or hostess to sit and relax and enjoy the dinner conversation after what may have been a long day of cooking. Be gracious if the hostess tells you to let her take care of things. Let her know it's the least you can do. Of course, if she insists, then sit and relax. Always follow the lead of your host or hostess.

4. Ask about your hosts, make good conversation: Your host and hostess will love it if you ask about them and let them do the talking. Show interest in their hobbies, accomplishments, children, or pets. Whatever you do, don't talk endlessly about yourself. No matter how wonderful you are, it will eventually become boring and your guests will resent having you there monopolizing their time. When people are allowed to talk about their strengths and interests, it makes them feel good and they will really enjoy having you in their home!

5. Leave your host's home better than you found it: If you've spent the night, clean up after yourself. Wipe down the bathrooms counters, and shower. Make sure any trash is thrown out. If you were on a sofa-bed, fold it up and put the cushions back together. Check with the host on where the bed sheets should go and either make the bed or strip the sheets and leave them by the washing machine. Offer to take out the trash or clean up in some other way. Basically, leave your area looking as good as when you first arrived. If possible, leave your area better than you found it.

6. Don't overstay your welcome: Know when it's time for you to leave. Be sensitive to your hosts work schedule. Don't keep them up late at night talking if they have to get up early and you can sleep in. A good rule is to leave on a high note. I know it's hard because you will be enjoying yourself and having a good time, but the good news is, your hosts will be eager to have you back soon.

Getting together with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season. As a guest, you can do a lot to lessen the burden placed on your hosts. When show your hosts your gratitude by following these 6 steps, everyone will have a more enjoyable holiday visit.