House guests are welcome in most homes whether it be friends over for a simple dinner, co workers for a celebration party of some kind or perhaps a week end long visit from out of town relatives. No matter who they are, you always get that unruly house guest who don't understand the concept of "visiting" somebody and seem to take for granted the invitation by taking things a little too far.
We have all been a guest in someone else's home and most of us know common sense when going into somebody else's home such as taking off your shoes, hanging up your jacket and asking before entering the fridge but for those unruly folk who take the phrase "make yourself at home" too seriously, here are a few tips to help you be invited back!
Don't just drop in unexpected! People who invite themselves and expect a host to cater to them are not appreciated. Especially when the host already has a houseful. Be respectful and call first, their plans might not always include you. Don't take it personal if they aren't warm and welcoming after a sudden ring of the door bell. After all you didn't give them any notice.
Most hosts work hard at making sure a house is genuinely clean for visitors and do appreciate it when you take the time to take off your shoes before entering their house. Your shoes have been outdoors on the dirty ground, who knows what kind of bacteria and germs you can bring into somebody's home, respect the host and take off the shoes please.
Lazy visitors are often frowned upon to those who are not like them and actually help out. Sitting around waiting for the host to feed and entertain you is something you do at a hotel or a restaurant not with loved ones. Try offering a hand with serving drinks or appetisers. The host has been working hard to prepare. even if the host refuses, the offer was kind. Allowing the host to do absolutely everything without offering is rude.
Don't assume you can smoke in someones house. Smoking is a terrible habit and a lot of people today do not allow it in their homes because if smoke damage to material items and for obvious health reasons. Ask the host if there is a specific area to smoke otherwise take it outside. This is especially true for hosts who have children in the house, please remember to be respectful of not only the host but the family that lives in the home as well.
If you need to use a washroom and the host hasn't given you the tour, ask the host. Don't go searching because it may seem as if you are snooping and nobody likes a guest who snoops. While in the bathroom, don't look through cabinets, drawers or (as disgusting as it seems but some have done it) the garbage. The bathroom is a pretty personal room and I believe any one would like to keep it that way. Do your business and get back to the party.
At dinner time offer to help set the table or clear the table when dinner is served. A guest as hospitable as the host is always welcome for return. Dont forget to compliment the chef on how wonderful the drinks and meal are.
Acting like a glutton is not recommended for dinner etiquette. Don't overindulge at your hosts expense! It was nice enough of this person to have you as a guest in your home, don't take more than your share. This includes both food and beverage. Eating too much may leave you feeling bloated and looking piggish for stuffing yourself too much. Eat your fair amount, if you are hungry later eat when you get home.
Drinking can ease social tension but drinking too much can lead to embarrassment. Slurred speech, clumsiness and sometimes rudeness can result from over doing it on drinks so have one or two or just stay clear if you know whats best. Don't assume that every house has a "serve yourself" rule. Some people don't like outsiders looking in their cupboards and fridge, even if the guest means no harm. If you need a beverage, ask the host they will be more than happy to accommodate you.
The main thing for any get together is to have fun and do it with respect for the wonderful host.