Skip to content
Search
Cuisine Noir Magazine
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • Events
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • Podcast
  • More
    • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
    • Black Wineries
    • Videos
    • CN Review
    • Donate
Cuisine Noir Magazine
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • CN Review
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
  • Events
  • Black Wineries
  • Videos
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
Search
Cuisine Noir Magazine
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • Events
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • Podcast
  • More
    • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
    • Black Wineries
    • Videos
    • CN Review
    • Donate
Cuisine Noir Magazine
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • CN Review
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
  • Events
  • Black Wineries
  • Videos
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate

6 Etiquette Tips for Overnight Guests During the Holidays

Family preparing to host overnight guests for the holidays
Photo credit: iStock
November 29, 2014
Tina Hayes
Share this article
       

Most of us have had the privilege of enjoying the comforts of another person's home. Yes, it is an honor when someone invites you to visit and stay as an overnight guest. With the holidays quickly approaching, many of you will enjoy an overnight visit with a relative or friend.

As an overnight guest, you must show respect to the host, and exhibit certain courtesies. You should make it your personal goal to be the “perfect overnight guest” and show a high degree of consideration. Upon your departure, your host should have no concerns about inviting you back.

Six Overnight Guest Dos and Don’ts:

1. Before your arrival, inform your host of your itinerary. Share the specifics of your stay by letting the person know when you will arrive, your plans during your stay, and most importantly, how long you plan to visit.

2. Bring a token of appreciation not just because it is the holiday season, but because it is the proper thing to do to express your sincerest gratitude. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. A candle, box of candy, pastries or flowers are all welcomed niceties. Also, thank your host before you leave, then soon after you return home (within a week after your stay), write a thank-you note.

3. Do not “make yourself at home!” Even if your host tells you to relax and make yourself at home, DO NOT exercise those freedoms. They are earned liberties and they take time to truly acquire. Instead, bring your best manners and be respectful of your host’s home.

RELATED: Entertaining People of Different Cultures

4. Do not expect the host to entertain you at all times. Plan some activities together and possibly some at the home. If the host is busy, find something to do without portraying boredom (i.e.: take a walk or read a book or magazine).

5. Be neat and clean up after yourself. It is your responsibility to make your bed daily and keep your area neat and tidy. Do not leave your clothing or personal items scattered around the house. Try and keep all of your belongings in a small area.

6. Always offer to help around the house. If a nice dinner is prepared in your honor, ask if you can help clear the dishes. Before you depart, gather your bathing towels and strip the bed.  Make sure your area is as nice as it was when you arrived.

RELATED: Family Etiquette

I would love to hear about your plans to entertain family and friends this holiday season so be sure to write your comments below.

  • under Etiquette Etiquette in Public Places
  • Aiyana Victoria Mathews in Japan
    under Travel Tips for African American Travelers in Japan
  • under Food & Drink Saluting the Vinous Odyssey of Zimbabwean Wine Whiz Job Jovo
  • under Food & Drink Biology and Science are Put to the Test with Twins That Cook
Share this article
Tina Hayes

Tina is the founder and owner of The School of Etiquette and Decorum in Antioch, CA. She is a passionate instructor dedicated to providing quality and professional etiquette training.

Related Articles

Loading...
Lifestyle

Tips on Throwing a Successful Dinner Party

Bay area entrepreneur Shonda Scott
Lifestyle

Food and Family are Recipe to Shonda Scott’s Community Connections

Lifestyle

Cuisine Noir Celebrates 10-Year Milestone

Be the first to know about the latest online, industry updates, world news, events and promotions that connect the African diaspora through food, drink and travel.

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising

    #IAmCuisineNoir

    This site participates in affiliate programs. See our full disclosure for more information.

    © 2022 The Global Food and Drink Initiative d/b/a Cuisine Noir Magazine. Privacy
    Site by ACS Digital

    Any unauthorized duplication, download or reprint of images or content from this website for promotional or commercial use is strictly prohibited without written permission from The Global Food and Drink Initiative. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Trademark pending.

    YES!  We’re excited you are signing up too!  

    Get ready to receive our weekly newsletter about:

    • New articles online
    • World news and industry happenings throughout the African Diaspora
    • Mouthwatering recipes
    • Promotions and giveaways

    Right in your inbox!