Are you beginning to feel the heat of summer sizzle along with barbecue grills and s’mores on the bonfire? As the warm winds of summer arrive, traveling to go and see people and distant places increase. You might find yourself as a guest in someone else’s home or the lucky recipient of travelers at your door. Whichever it is, there are ways to be a good guest that is welcomed back or a fantastic host that your visitors will be raving about for years to come! Lets look at the tricks of the trade! In this article we will focus on how to be remembered as an amazing guest… even 16 years later! There is an art to being a great guest and inspired host. These simple tips can have your guests raving instead of running or have you welcomed back with an open door! In this article we are going to focus on being a gracious guest instead of the dreaded unwanted visitor.
Appreciation
As a guest it is important to remember that as much as the host is thrilled to have you join them at their home it does require energy and effort to have you there. Being conscientious of this and demonstrating a willingness to help out and verbalizing your appreciation is the initial step in being a fabulous guest. The first year we had our summer home we had people join us each weekend to frolic in the Martha’s Vineyard Sound. We enjoyed sharing our time and space with wonderful friends and family. But, by the end of summer I was wiped out. Throughout the summer I was spending the beginning of the week cleaning up from the previous weekend and grocery shopping to restock the barren cabinets. By midweek I was beginning to plan, shop and prepare for the weekend to come and the new guests that would arrive. My time and space designed to recharge my mind, body and spirit after a busy year was beginning to deplete me.
Stick to the Plan
Show up on time! Make a plan and stick to it. Take into account traffic delays or anything else that you might need to factor in. It is rude to leave a host waiting or arriving before you are expected. Obviously things come up that are out of your control, but that being said, you should do whatever is in your power to arrive when you said you would. You never know what a host has planned or on the stove. A timely arrival can set the tone for the rest of your stay.
Bring a Meal
A fabulous way to show your hosts that you are hoping to help make it a successful weekend for all, instead of assuming you are a guest at a bed-and-breakfast, is to bring an assortment of snacks, a meal or both. When I travel to distant places I always bring a basket of goodies. Sometimes I opt to bring a bag of bagels and muffins to take care of breakfast for the morning– this is a great option that travels well no matter the distance. I also had a friend who always came with huge bag loaded with snacks and drinks for the kids. Her conscientiousness was always appreciated. The idea is to alleviate some of the stress for the host.
Give a Gift
Another way to ensure you are welcomed back anytime is to give a gift. It doesn’t matter how big or small, it is just the gesture. I remember inviting friends to join us for a weekend in Vermont when we had little ones. They had brought a fun toy for the kids. The kids enjoyed the activity and the adults got silly trying to figure out how to pack it back up (which was nearly impossible, but we had fits of laughter trying). The following week we received one on our doorstep with a note that said we needed to master the disassembly process. The gift AND handwritten note were a beautiful gesture that is remembered 16 years later! It truly doesn’t matter the size of the gift. It is more the meaningful connection and intention behind the gift.
Tidy Up
It should go without saying, but I will mention that it is important to keep your things neat, out of the way and clean up after yourself. We have had guests that leave their stuff everywhere and ones who make an effort at keeping things neat. Which would you prefer to have in your home and who would you invite back? There are also those courteous guests who make an extra effort at being helpful. As a host, I am always so thankful when someone is willing to take the sheets off of their bed at the end of their stay and place them in the laundry room. It is just one less thing that I need to do after they leave. This little gesture goes a long way in helping ease the cleanup process of a house full!
These are a few simple solutions on being a gracious guest and ways to avoid becoming the unwanted visitor. I hope your summer is fun, safe and filled with travels to places near and far seeing and spending time with people you enjoy!
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Happy Soaring!
XOXO
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