Pamela Eyring Offers Business Insider “Quick Tips” To Be A Great Guest This Holiday Season!
As the holidays draw closer every day, many are planning to “host guests” and even more are preparing for trips to be “hosted as guests” in someone else’s home this holiday season. If you’re one of the lucky ones planning to stay as a short-term guest with friends or family this holiday season, read on as Pamela Eyring, owner and president of our own PSOW, shared the tips she offered exclusively to Business Insider!
It’s important (if you want to be invited back!), to note the simple things you can do to show consideration to make the life of your host easier while they are taking care of you and potentially other guests.
Pamela shared with reporter Alyssa Towns Swantkoski that that from punctuality in arriving to cleaning up on the day you leave, the following tips will go a long way:
Tip 1: To start, even if you’re flying in and taking a taxi to their home, be clear and prompt about your arrival time and quickly communicate on a new schedule if you are running late.
Tip 2: You may assume staying in someone else’s home may make for a predictably comfortable experience, but it’s still important for your own comfort to plan ahead. Picky about pillows? Consider bringing one from home. Sensitive to noise as a light sleeper? Bring ear plugs. Prefer a cooler room? Bring a small travel fan or consider lighter sleepwear than you may usually wear at home for the season.
Tip 3: Show gratitude by giving a gift, a gesture that is always appropriate and equally appreciated by the host. If you’re unsure of what your host or their family likes, consider an option that appeals to all. You could bring flowers, candy, or host them for a meal out. Alternatively, you could buy tickets to see their favorite sports team or restock their pantry or bar with seasonal foods, wine, or fine liquor.
Tip 4: Always offer to help and participate in cooking, cleaning, and preparing meals. Even if the host shares that all is under control, your assistance with clearing the table, scraping places, cleaning up the trash/recycling, or assisting with the dishes will always be a welcome support. When your host is in the kitchen for meal preparation, even if they don’t want direct help cooking, it’s still considerate to keep the host company while they work.
Tip 5: It’s always important to leave the environment where you were hosted in such a welcoming way, in as tidy a condition as when you leave. Ask upfront how you may assist with putting the guest room back in order. Offer to remove/launder the sheets and towels or clean the bath. If the host has assistance from a housekeeper or their own specific routine, at a minimum, you could empty the trash cans in your room and bathroom and ensure the sink, shower, and counters are cleaned. (It doesn’t hurt to pack a travel-sized packet of Clorox wipes!) Upon leaving that morning, make the bed, and be mindful about where you put and how you move your luggage across the floor to avoid scratching it, leaving marks on walls, or damaging furniture. And avoid placing your suitcase on the bed’s comforter in order not to transfer dust or dirt from the wheels onto it.
Read the full article here to be prepared on being the guest who will be invited again with these simple tips if you are traveling to visit family or friends this holiday season!