Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest…

“Can’t wait to see you!”

You’re just about packed and ready, and are anticipating spending time with friends over the long weekend at their home…

Whether with your besties, your partners’ work friends, or with your neighbors who have recently moved away, plan to make your stay as easy and comfortable for your hosts as possible by being a great guest. How to do? Here are some thoughts:

• Have an agreed upon length of stay (a three-day stay is a good rule of thumb).
• Whether driving or flying let your hosts know approximately when you’ll be arriving and when you’ll be leaving. If your flight is delayed or traffic is at a standstill, let your hosts know as soon as possible.
• Make sure to have clear communication about children and/or pets beforehand.
• A thoughtful host gift can come in many forms. Perhaps you want to bring a special treat “from home” you know they’ve missed since moving away, or a memento you know will make them smile. Maybe you stop by a nearby florist and bring a lovely bouquet upon arrival. Perhaps you find a treasure while you’re out and about together, and leave it for them with a handwritten note of thanks. Convey your appreciation by treating them to brunch or dinner. Or, you can always send a gracious gift after your visit, along with your note of thanks.
• If you’ll be out on the town or attending a local event together, ask your friends about appropriate attire or dress codes, or if you’ll need comfortable shoes to walk around. If you know the area has micro climates ask for day part wardrobe suggestions.
• Be respectful of your hosts’ schedules, routines and requests; inquire about these. Perhaps they like to read and have morning coffee quietly on the patio, or they like to have their children nap at home in the afternoons. They may enjoy cooking versus going out for dinner. Maybe they have a policy of removing your shoes when in their house.
• On that note, if you have a ritual of a daily run or know that you may have a little work to do, let your hosts know, and plan your needs around the weekend itinerary.
• Keep your room/area and bathroom neat and tidy. Clear your place/dishes and offer to help set the table or fold napkins. If your friends drove to several destinations, offer to charge or fill up their car. Ask for a coaster for your cold or hot drink. Ask your hosts how they’d like you to handle your used sheets and towels; remember every hosts has their own preferences.
• Send a note of appreciation a day or two after you’ve gotten home. Let your friends know what you especially enjoyed or relished; or share what made you laugh together.

Have a great long weekend; “Can’t wait to see you next time!”