Visitor Etiquette (2024)

FAQs

What is proper etiquette for visiting someone? ›

Show that you're enjoying yourself. Offer to pitch in for groceries if you are staying more than two or three nights. Double check to make sure you have all your belongings before you leave. Bring or send a gift, or treat your host to a night out. Send a handwritten thank-you note following your visit.

There's a rule about how long guests should stay that she often quoted… Fish and guests, she liked to stay, smell after three days. We remember this rule when it comes to cooking; we also remember it when it comes to guests. Three days is a perfect long weekend to catch up with friends.

Be (at Least Somewhat) Self-Sufficient

If you're staying for more than three days, call up other friends who live in the city, bring some work of your own to do, or be okay exploring on your own. Let your host know your plans and when you think you will get back.

By far, the most important thing to guide your manners is the "Golden Rule": Treat others as you would want to be treated. By minding your manners, your friends and other kids will look up to you, and adults will be impressed with your maturity.

Proper overnight protocol is to strip the bed, put the bed cover back on it and put the folded sheets on top of the cover at the bottom of the bed.

Anything beyond two to three nights might be overdoing it, according to Amanda King, an etiquette expert and director at Australian Finishing School. "Anything over a week is really an extended stay and puts pressure on the host to entertain and maintain a household without disruption," said King.

According to Serta Simmons Bedding's Sleep Disruptors Survey, which polled 2,000 Americans, 49% responded that they believe spending four or more days at someone's home is too much. And it's not solely a matter of convenience, either!

Wine, flowers, specialty food items, and small items for the house all make good hostess gifts. Flowers are terrific too, but if you want to go beyond Etiquette 101, bring them in a simple vase (a Mason jar is fine).

Being subtle is best. I might look at my watch and say, “I did not realize how late it is. We need to be up early in the morning.” Or, I might say, “it has been such a pleasure to have you over. We will need to do it again sometime.” In either case, if we are sitting I stand up.

Clarify visit limits such as length of time, sleeping arrangements, your availability to entertain them or drive them around, or financial restraints that limit your ability to go sight-seeing, provide food and meals, and so on.

What are the ABC's of etiquette? ›

These abilities are essential for portraying oneself as polished, self-assured, responsible, and professional and help one stand out as well as progress in their field. The ABCs of Etiquette: Appearance, Behaviour, Communication.

"Please" and "thank you," holding doors, chewing with our mouths closed, dressing appropriately, shaking hands—these are all manners. They are important because they give us confidence, allow our focus to be on the substance of our interactions, and they tell us what to do and what to expect others to do in return.

There are many different etiquette rules followed in various situations. Three common etiquette examples include using proper greetings, using polite phrases such as please and thank you when requesting something, and dressing appropriately for each occasion and social context.

A gift is a lovely way to thank your host for their hospitality. Always appreciated, it doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive; simply consider the nature of the occasion and local custom when making your choice.