8 Houseguest Etiquette Rules That Will Make Any Weekend Stay More Thoughtful

These tips will help you avoid any awkwardness.

Betsy Cribb Watson

Thu, March 15, 2018 at 3:37 PM UTC

4 min read

*Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller*

Key Takeaways

Confirm your stay length with your hosts to avoid any misunderstandings.
Pack light to keep things simple and avoid burdening your hosts.
Thoughtful gestures and clear communication show appreciation for your hosts.

'Tis the season of weekend trips, and we want to make a good impression on our hosts. We know to offer to cook, to send a thank you note, and to never arrive empty-handed, but what about the lesser-known rules of house guest etiquette ? Always prepare ahead of time to avoid any awkward dilemmas. If you act from a place of thoughtfulness and consideration for your kind hosts, the rest will follow. Also, be sure to heed the houseguest rules below. It's just good manners.

1. Be Crystal Clear About Your Departure Date

It would be beyond inconvenient to invite friends over for the afternoon just to find out that they think they're staying all weekend. To keep this from happening, never assume you know the plan. Be clear about how long you're planning to stay, and confirm with your hosts in advance of your arrival. A conversation now can help you avoid an awkward situation later.

2. Pack Light

It may seem like you need plenty of clothes, shoes, and other items to keep you comfortable ("Who knows what the weather will be like? I need choices!"), but for a weekend trip, your best bet is to pack light. Pack one weekend bag with a few outfit options to ensure that you are prepared. This is always better than rolling into the driveway with a freight of heavy suitcases and overflowing totes, which your guests will then have to help you haul inside.

3. Call Before You Arrive

They're expecting you, right? Of course, but you should always leave room for the unexpected. It is essential to give your hosts a call 10-15 minutes before you arrive at their home. This gives them a heads up and allows them the opportunity to give you any important updates before you arrive.

4. Take Some Time For Yourself

Just because you're staying the weekend doesn't mean you have to hang out on the sofa for 48 hours. Go for a walk, offer to do the grocery shopping, and take some time away from the house. It will give you and your hosts much-needed alone time and the opportunity to relax and recharge.

5. Put Your Phone Away

Don't spend your weekend engrossed in your phone. You may feel the urge to check your email and make a call, but if you are constantly scrolling through Facebook, browsing Instagram, or texting other friends, you won't make a good impression on your hosts, and they may not invite you back.

6. Be Gracious Without Overstepping

Early birds, let morning be the time you rise and really shine. Rather than scooting out in the morning to grab a cup of coffee to go, (quietly!) brew a pot for all to enjoy. Then, everyone will wake up to the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee to drink in the screened-in porch. It's a thoughtful gesture that will be so well-received. If you don't know where they keep the coffee, go ahead and run to the local spot down the street, but bring back something for everyone else, too.

7. Don't Make Assumptions

It's good form to leave your guest room tidy upon departure, but check in with your host about whether they'd prefer for you to make the bed or strip it . If they're planning to run a load of laundry that day, having to unmake the bed is one extra step. On the other hand, if they'd like to wait a day or two before tackling the laundry, an unmade bed leaves an unsightly mess.

8. Follow Up When You Get Home

Being a considerate guest doesn't end right when you leave. Once you're home, take a moment to share your gratitude for their hospitality: Send a quick text that day, then follow it up with a handwritten thank-you note or a small gesture, like cookies delivered from their favorite bakery.

Read the original article on Southern Living