Hosting is fun, but it takes a lot of work. Think: laundry, cooking, cleaning, entertaining. There are also costs involved with opening up your home, so learning how to be an amazing houseguest will go a long way with your host and will probably even get you an invite back. ;) Here are my top 10 tips for being the perfect guest.

1. Tell your host in advance if you have any food allergies or preferences.
   You may feel bad if your host has to switch her menu, but it will make her feel worse if she prepares a meat dish only to find out you're vegetarian.

2. Let your host know what time you’ll be arriving.
   This is always appreciated since the host wants to make sure everything is ready for your arrival. 

3. Always bring a gift.
   It can be as simple as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers, but bringing a gift is so important to show your host appreciation. I had a friend in college who went to TJ Maxx and bought a bunch of pretty hand towels to use as gifts. Everyone loved them and she didn’t break the bank.

4. Be aware of how much laundry you’re creating.
   Remember that your host has to wash every sheet, towel, and blanket that you use. Maybe that means showering before you get there and making sure to use the top sheet provided so your host doesn’t need to wash the duvet.

5. Offer to help.
   See if your host needs any help in the kitchen or offer to help set the table. If your host tells you to just relax, don’t feel the need to push for a task.

6. Compliment the chef.
   No doubt your host took time to prepare a nice meal, so make sure to express your enjoyment. 

7. Help clear the table after meals.
   Unless your host specifically asks you not to help clear, it's always nice to bring the dishes to the kitchen after a meal. 

8. Keep your personal items confined to the room you’re staying.
   It may be tempting to set up all your toiletries along the bathroom counter, but unless the bathroom is in your room, be considerate that it’s a shared space. 

9. Strip the bed before you leave.
   Remove the sheets and pillowcases and leave them in a pile on the bed. 

10. Don't overstay your welcome.
    Hosting takes a lot of energy, so be courteous and let your host know how long you intend to stay before you arrive. If you want to extend your stay after you're already there, best to make other housing arrangements or genuinely feel out if your host is up to it. If your host does agree, make sure to show appreciation by pitching in around the house and/or bringing another gift. The best gift here is usually a bag of groceries since your host wasn’t expecting to have an extra mouth to feed.

Leave your own tips in the comments below!

Photography: Laurel Creative

xx Esther