How Not To Be A House Guest From Hell
Do you dread throwing a party because of the guests you may have to invite? Or are you the guest that everyone dreads? A recent New York Times article suggested that ‘dinner parties with nightmare guests can make for delicious art’; however, at some point, at least one of us will be a guest at someone else’s house over the festive period, and we don’t relish the idea of being blacklisted, so why not understand how not to be a total nightmare and instead be the guest of dreams?
Belle About Town spoke to Brenna Ryan, home expert at Victorian Plumbing, to discuss her simple guide to house guest etiquette this festive season.
1. This is not a hotel
Just because you’re a guest, it does not mean your get to always use what you want, with over half of Brits admitting they take the post shampoos and toiletries from hotels, don’t start to think the same applies to the host’s house this Christmas. Bring your own or simply accept that they might not want you using the good stuff, and if they do let you, then leave it where you find it.
2. No one likes a last-minute fussy eater
With more than one third of Brits saying they would happily eat a vegan or vegetarian Christmas dinner this year, we’re in a time of trying new things, but piling on last-minute dietary requirements that you’ve never spoken about before is the worst for hosts. If alternatives are needed, be sure to let your host know in plenty of time and, if need be, bringing your own could be the safest option. Or if it’s a challenge you’re setting yourself, maybe wait until Veganuary and enjoy the support of 100,000s others!
3. Don’t take board games too seriously
With over a quarter of Brits admitting that Snakes and Ladders was the game most likely to cause arguments this Christmas*, a quick reminder that whilst it’s great to follow the rules, remember it’s just a game. Be sure not to be the board game police this festive period and spoil the fun by taking any game too seriously; you can let your winning streak go for one night because if not at Christmas, when?
4. Be sure to read the room
A recent debate on Mums Net made for some very British news when the shoe-on-or-off conversation was circling online. So with it still up for debate, take note of what you see around you. Shoe racks and coat hooks are clear indicators of where those items go. Don’t be put off making yourself at home (to a certain extent), and only ask if you have no clue where to put something.
5. No Snooping
As a generation raised on ‘Come Dine with Me’ it’s no surprise we like to snoop when visiting a friend’s home, and according to a recent survey, Londoners are the most likely to, with almost half confessing to a secret snoop around, compared to the national average of 34%. But try to avoid a rifle through the draws because if the host finds even a pair of socks out of place, their paranoia could last until Easter – and we all know if the host thinks you snoop, you’ll be left off the guest list in future.
6. No unannounced additions
An average of 41 hours per festive season will be spent on “unexpected” challenges, such as failed cookers and hosting for last-minute guests. There’s nothing worse for a host than an unexpected arrival, and we’re not talking about a Christmas miracle baby, but unexpected Plus Ones. Always be sure to prewarn the host if any unexpected additions might be arriving with you, as the odd chair and a smaller portion of stuffing aren’t what anyone wants.
No one likes a wannabe Influencer
Nearly 90% of people believe it’s rude to go on your phone when at a family dinner, so it’s simple, really. Be sure to enjoy the moment and not worry about posting the meal to your socials. Enjoy the moment and worry about the hashtags later because Christmas is more than the like on your photo.
