Charm: How to be a Pleasant Houseguest

Dear Reader,

I thought that for to-day's lesson, I would follow up on my posting from yesterday regarding preparing for houseguests [Charm: How to Prepare for Houseguests]. What better topic to bring us full cirlcle, so let's get right to it!

Everyone likes to be a host to a pleasant houseguest. One sure way to be invited back to someone's home is to be just that. We are speaking now of being a popular overnight houseguest (we will address day visits in another post). Please follow these simple rules and a list of invitations will always be flooding your mail box:

1. Always respond in kind, and promptly, to any invitation to overnight at someone's home. This means, dear reader, that if you receive an invitation via post, you should respond with a letter, either stating your acceptance of your host's generous invitation, or passing on your regrets (always with a good explanation as to why you will not be able to keep her company that weekend). If you are invited via the telephone or by telegram, respond in kind. You simply must respond within a day or two as to not give your hostess the impression that you are trying to create a good excuse to not make the occasion!
2. Ensure that you provide your host with your travel arrangement information as soon as you have made your reservations, especially if you are having your host collect you at the airport or at the train. It is more considerate for you to hire a car to deliver you to your destination, but in some remote locations, a car is not always available.
3. Always bring a housewarming gift for your host. Even if you will only be visiting for one overnight, a gift is not only thoughtful, but required. You need not fret about your hostess's decor or china pattern; a simple gift is all that is needed: a fresh bouquet of flowers, some fine wine, or perhaps an item from one of your recent travel excursions abroad. Please do not use this occasion as an excuse to rid yourself of some ghastly present you have received from that tacky uncle of yours; save that for the next White Elephant exchange. You want to leave your hostess with a GOOD impression of your taste and charm.
4. Offer to help with the cooking, cleaning, and planning needs for the home. Of course, the polite hostess will refuse your help and ask you to relax, but the polite houseguest ALWAYS offers.
5. Plan to follow the agenda the host family has set. If they plan on taking in a game of tennis at noon followed by luncheon at the club, by all means, break out your whites and your appetite. Join the gang and have some fun along the way!
6. Even if you have a low tolerance for children and pets, make every effort to entertain these creatures while you are visiting. Bring gifts as well for them when you arrive. You will be remembered as a considerate and very thoughtful guest.
7. Retire early as to give your hosts a chance to have some relaxation time. It is work to properly host guests, and they might need some time to rejuvenate for the following day's tasks.
8. Maintain your quarters in good order: make your bed every day and keep your room neat and tidy.
9. Always come to table dressed properly, ready for the day. Never come to table in your bedclothes, regardless of the hour--my, what an error this is!
10. Before your stay has ended, offer to take your hosts out to dinner as a kind gesture. Make sure to pick an upscale restaurant to show your gratitude.
11. The time for you to bid adieu is when everyone is enjoying himself. You want your visit to seem too short to your hosts. Leave on an up-note and you will surely be invited back. Along these lines, Mr. Benjamin Franklin aptly stated, "fish and visitors stink after three days.".
12. Lastly, always send a handwritten thank you note within a few days of your departure, making special mention of specific activities or meals you have enjoyed. A follow up bouquet of flowers is also a nice touch.

Remember--soon it will be your turn to return the favor. Send an invitation to your hosts to come out for the weekend to your home within six months of your visit.

Well, dear reader, I hope that this post will help you on your way to being a pleasant houseguest. A myriad of invitations awaits you--take this opportunity to be the best you can be...for yourself and for others.

Until next time...

HF