Polite Guest Etiquette: 5 Ways to Make Your Overnight Visitors Feel at Home

It's important to be a good host or hostess to overnight guests. When someone is gracious enough to allow you to stay in their home you want to make sure you show your appreciation by being a good guest. Likewise as a host it's important to treat your guests with kindness and respect. You don't have to go overboard or break the bank to be a good host but there are some basic etiquette rules you want to follow. According to Jackie Vernon-Thompson founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette "everyone likes to be treated with respect and kindness" so it's important to be considerate of your guests. Below are some common rude behaviors when hosting guests according to etiquette experts:

1. Not providing clean sheets or towels: It's important to have a clean and comfortable bed for your guests. One expert suggests borrowing your own guest room for a night to see if there's anything you can do to make it more comfortable for your guests such as replacing worn sheets or having the duvet cleaned. If you can't provide clean sheets or towels for your guests it's okay to ask them to bring their own but you should provide toilet paper hand soap and bath products for them. These small touches go a long way in making your guests feel comfortable and welcome.
2. Not giving your guest space: It's important to remember that your guest is on vacation or visiting for a reason and may need some downtime to relax. Avoid constantly walking behind them listening at doors or cleaning up after them unless necessary. This shows respect for their privacy and also indicates that you trust them to take care of themselves while in your home.
3. Ignoring allergies: You should always ask your guests in advance if they have any allergies or special needs. It's okay if you can't accommodate all of their needs or requests but you should do your best to make sure they feel comfortable and safe. If your guest has a severe food allergy for example you should refer them to nearby accommodations that can meet their needs.

1. Not welcoming your guest into your home: It's important to make your guest feel welcome by greeting them at the door offering them a chance to freshen up and giving them a moment to settle in before offering them something to drink or eat. You should also provide them with a physical tour of your home pointing out where they can find essentials such as the Wi-Fi password phone chargers extra towels and coffee for the morning. It's also helpful to put out a note with information about your home including any idiosyncrasies they should be aware of.
2. Failing to communicate about plans and expectations for the visit: Before your guest arrives it's important to discuss plans and expectations for the visit such as everyone's schedules and what activities you have planned. Try to be inclusive but not demanding when it comes to your schedule. For instance if someone wants to sleep in or watch TV late at night try to accommodate them. But if there are any unusual circumstances or needs it's important to discuss those in advance.

By following these simple rules of etiquette you can make your guests feel like they're staying in a five-star hotel. Remember being a good host or hostess is all about treating your guests with kindness and respect.