After writing a post about how to be a good hostess to your guests, I wanted to follow it up with a post on proper etiquette when you’re the guest in someone’s home. It’s always a little awkward living in someone else’s space and you definitely don’t want to ruffle any feathers while you’re there. So I’ve come up with a list on how to be an awesome house guest, and always get invited back.

• Arrive and leave at the time you said you would.
• Clean up after yourself (don’t leave drinks or plates out, use a coaster, and keep common areas free of junk).
• Be clean. If you’re sharing the guest bath, don’t leave your personal items scattered everywhere, turn the lights off, please make sure the toilet has been flushed, twice if necessary, and put the lid down. Also, keep yourself and your guest room tidy.
• Help at meal times, whether it be watching the kids, setting the table, prepping the food, or cleaning up, any little bit of extra help is always appreciated.
• Offer to make contributions if the host has bought food for your stay. I’m not talking about a few days, but if you’re staying for a week or so and they are cooking most of the time, offer to help with the food bill.
• Bring snacks for your kids – don’t let them eat all of the host’s food.
• Strip beds and place dirty linens in the hamper or designated area when you leave.
• If towels aren’t laid out, don’t assume the fancy towels are for you.
• Never take the last of anything.
• If you’re sick or your kids are sick, cancel the trip.
• Don’t keep the hosts up late, even if you’ve traveled from far away and don’t get to visit often, be respectful and go to bed at a decent time. Everyone’s more fun when they’re well rested anyway.
• Don’t annoy the hosts with loud noises early or late in the day.
• Follow the house rules.
• Bringing a thank-you gift is always a nice gesture and happily accepted.
• Be appreciative! Thank your hosts for all that they’ve done to make your stay a pleasant one. A thank-you card is a great way to do that as well.

I hope I’ve covered most of the rules on guest etiquette, but I know that everyone has their own special quirks. What are some things that you like for guests to do in your home? And just remember…

“Fish and visitors stink after three days.”  -Ben Franklin