For today’s post, I am partnering with Darla DeMorrow.  Darla is a certified professional organizer and owner of HeartWork Organizing. We met earlier this year and discovered we are both bloggers living within miles of each other.  She has two adorable daughters that love. love, love small dogs.  I have two of the cutest Miniature Pinchers (8 pounds of fun each). Darla gathered her crew, I gathered mine and we took them all for a walk one day on the trail.   True to our entrepreneurial spirit, we discussed ways to partner. Here is our first attempt. Darla’s post, How to Outfit a Killer Guest Suite, gives you tips on preparing your home for guests.  I love how she added tips on prepping the guest room for mobile phone and laptops.  Click here to see her post.

How to be a Gracious Guest

Many times during the year we travel to see friends or family.  Holidays are a great time to catch up with someone you have not seen in awhile or you may also pay a friend a visit while you are traveling on business.  Whatever the reason, here a few tips on being a gracious house guest.

• Confirm your travel dates with your host.  We live in busy times and plans often change.  Plan activities ahead of time and discuss with your host.  You may be on vacation but your host may not be.  Meld your schedules when possible. Consider the routine of your host.  Are they an early riser or midnight owl?  Be aware of morning routines and early alarm clocks.
• If you or your children are contagious, stay home.
• Bring and wear presentable pajamas.
• Offer to help out especially during meal time.  Set the table, chop veggies, clear the table and help load the dishwasher.

• Keep the areas you are using clean and tidy.  If you are lounging around watching a movie, fold the lap blanket and put it back where you found it when you are done.  If  your shoes are still on the floor, pick them up. Make up your bed and tidy the guest room every morning (and the rooms of your children).

 

• Bring a hostess gift with you.  This is great way to show your appreciation.  Tea towels, candles, and cookbooks are always welcome.  If you need ideas on creative ways to wrap, check out this site, A Gift Wrapped Life.  This is one of my favorite blogs.
• The morning of your departure, strip the bed linens and grab the towels and take them to the laundry room.  Don’t forget to wipe down the bathroom sink.

 

• To “tweet” or not to “tweet”.  Stay in tune with your host.  Are they open to social media?  Do they “tweet”? Ask.  Be considerate before you openly communicate about your visit.
• Follow up.  Write a handwritten thank you note.  Mention the meals, adventures and memories.  Thank them for their time, the use of their home and hospitality.

Safe travels.

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