How to Be the Guest Everyone Wants at Their Dinner Table

Though it may be easy to forget, being a guest at someone’s house is always special. Whether it’s a routine gathering for board games and wine or a fancy dinner party to celebrate an occasion, being welcomed into someone’s living space shouldn’t be taken for granted. And while there’s plenty of advice out there on being a top notch host— thank you, Martha! —actively being a great guest is just as important (especially if you want another invite).

Here’s how to be the guest everyone wants at their house.

Meet Our Expert

• Reneille Velez , event planner and founder of GIAN

• Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert at Evite

Related: 11 Things to Always Have on Hand for Surprise Guests, From Snacks to Chargers

Be Timely and Present

Demonstrating that you value the invitation is an easy and valuable way to be a good guest. "Arrive on time, leave on time, and be fully present in between," says event planner Reneille Velez. "Put the phone down and engage with people you don't know."

And never, ever ghost your host. "Fashionably late might work for a cocktail party ," says Evite's etiquette and hosting expert Olivia Pollock. "Our Evite data shows that 62 percent of hosts report being frustrated with guests who RSVP yes and then don’t show."

Share Specific Compliments

“Thanks for inviting me, this was so fun,” is nice to hear—but getting more specific with compliments can really leave an impact on a host. “Compliment something specific: the table, the music, a detail that shows you were paying attention,” says Velez. “The best guests make a host feel like everything they did mattered.”

Bring a Thoughtful Host Gift

You don’t have to spend a lot to show your appreciation. Bring something small and thoughtful for your host. “It doesn't have to be expensive,” says Pollock. “A bottle of wine, a candle, or, my favorite, some candy," Pollock suggests. "Just don’t show up empty-handed." A bottle of artisanal olive oil is always great to have on hand, or a bouquet of flowers (with a vase) is nice, too.

Offer to Help—But Don't Insist

A good guest is aware of their host’s needs, whether that's an extra hand with the clean-up or a preference for solo time in the kitchen. "A simple 'Can I help with anything?' is perfect," says Pollock. "If they say no, respect that; they might have a system. But if they say yes, jump in and roll up your sleeves."

Related: Dinner Clubs Are Back—Here's How to Start One That Lasts

Acknowledge the Effort, Not Just the Outcome

“Being a thoughtful guest is about noticing the little things and showing gratitude for the effort your host put in,” says Pollock. “Your host spent time planning , prepping, and realistically, probably stressing a little. Let them know you see it!”

Thank Your Host Within 48 Hours of Leaving

Being gracious is essential to being a good guest. “Hospitality is an act of generosity. The kindest thing a guest can do is make sure their host knows it was received,” says Velez.

Sending a thank you via text, handwritten note, or phone call is polite and thoughtful. "A thank you lets them know you had a great time and appreciated being included," says Pollock.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart