How to Be a Heavenly Houseguest

It's an honor to be invited to stay at someone's home. Most hosts go to a great deal of trouble cleaning, shopping, preparing food and planning special activities or outings so that their guests feel special and welcome. You can return the favor by being a heavenly houseguest.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Make arrangements well in advance. Limit the length of stay to no more than 3 days or a long weekend. Make sure the host is aware of arrival and departure times. Call if delayed.

2. Bring a small gift for the host. Consider a CD, DVD or a book that appeals to the host's tastes. Pay for a meal or a movie during the visit or pick up the tab at the grocery store.

3. Give the host a break. Retire to the guestroom with a book, magazines or needlework so the host can have a little quiet time or can tend to personal business.

4. Be a good sport. Agree graciously and enthusiastically to everything the host has planned. Let the host know in advance of any special requests, desired outings or sightseeing.

5. Remember that the host is not like a mother. Take along enough clothes so that laundry is not an issue. Remove personal belongings from the bathroom so that others can use it without being exposed to a scary shaving kit in a giant plastic bag full of creams and ointments.

6. Pitch in and help, even when the host says not to worry. Carry dishes to the sink, load and empty the dishwasher, set the table, help prepare and serve meals and offer to take out the trash.

7. Send a hand-written note by post upon arriving home. Include a gift or send flowers, depending on the budget and whether a gift was presented earlier (Step 2).

Tips & Warnings

• If kids and/or pets are part of the travel plans, stay at a hotel.

• Insist on paying for anything you break or damage during the visit. Accidents happen. Be gracious and make amends.