If you are lucky enough to be invited to a friend or family member’s beach house or lake house this summer, be sure you are an excellent house guest, so that you will get invited back! (Or at the very least, keep your friendship!)
We’ve put together a couple tips and tricks on what we think it means to be a good house guest and the common thread is to be respectful and courteous of your host’s home, and leave as little trace and work for the host as possible.
Chances are that the host has invited you because they enjoy your company, not because they are interested in serving you, right? So here are some tips!
Communicate Needs or Preferences Upon Accepting the Invitation
As soon as you have been invited and when you reply that you accept, make sure the host is aware of any allergies or special needs you may have. If you have a severe peanut allergy or gluten allergy that may cause the host to have to adjust their cooking or preparation, you should let them know when you accept and make it contingent upon that being okay with them. The last thing you want to do is let your host know later and it be an inconvenience or imposition.
Your reply might look like this: “Thank you so much for the invitation! I am thrilled that you have invited me. I wanted to let you know however, that I have a peanut allergy and that food preparation must be nut-free. Will it still work for you to have me? I understand if not and wanted you to know beforehand. I am happy to help with food shopping and preparation, I just wanted to make you aware.” That way, the host can prepare, or they have an out.
Arrange your own transportation
Whether you are arriving by air, train, or boat, we recommend trying to arrange your own transportation to the home where you are staying. Hosts are often busy getting the house ready for their guests, so if you can take the burden of transport off them, your host may feel more relaxed and be more welcoming. Try Uber, renting a car, or taxi.
Bring a gift
Show your appreciation and thoughtfulness by bringing a hostess gift. You are saving money by not being in a hotel or Airbnb so spend just a little money here. Even if the person you are staying with is family or a close friend, it’s good etiquette to bring a small token of your gratitude. At More Than Paper, we have a variety of gifts for the lake hostess and the beach hostess. Check out some of our favorites here.
FOR LAKE HOSTESSES:
1. We like this “Better Lake Than Never” big and bold notepad. Measuring 5.5 x 8.5” this 200 sheet notepad is functional and cute and works great for jotting down quick notes at the lake house. It’s a thoughtful gift!
2. Frosted Cups personalized with the host/hostess’s monogram or Lake House name make a great hostess gift! Choose from a variety of motifs and fonts to make it personal:
3. We like these personalized rope tote bags that are charming and versatile. The canvas bag is perfect for the lake and trips around town!
FOR THE BEACH HOUSE HOSTESS
1. We love this “Beach House” Chunky notepad as a gift for the beach house hostess. With 300 sheets, it is available with or without lines and can be personalized with whatever island or beach name you’d like!
2. These nautical themed personalized like-linen guest towels are a luxurious gift that make a great hostess gift:
3. These “Beach Please” foam cups are another cute item for the beach hostess. They would work great in a larger basket full of other “beach” themed items:
4. Another idea for the beach hostess is this “beach girl” cosmetic bag that the hostess can use for personal items inside their beach bag. The 5 x 7” size is great for storing all sorts of items like lip balm or a cell phone and has a zippered closure for safe keeping!
Clean Up After Yourself
This likely goes without saying that you will take your dishes to the sink and not expect to be waited on hand and foot. Extend this “clean up after yourself” tip to making sure that you don’t leave your belongings all over the house where you are staying. Your shoes, computer, phone charger, etc. should all be stored neatly in your room and not scattered about the house. Bring your towel inside and hang it up in your bathroom. This includes making your bed every day. Offer to do household chores to help out, such as loading / unloading the dish washer or take out the trash.
Offer to Cook
While staying in someone’s house for several days, it’s nice to offer to cook one night and take the burden off the host. Door dash or Instacart the groceries you need, after checking your menu with the host to make sure it’s okay. (Or, if you have rented a car, make a quick trip to the grocery store to pick up your ingredients). Taking one meal off the host is a great idea that will surely get you closer to an invitation another time!
Offer to change linens
Offer to take off your bed linens and bring to the laundry room on the day of your departure. You should also bring used towels, as well. If the host has a spare set of sheets for the bed that you were sleeping on, you can offer to put a clean set on. Anything you can do to contribute is a good idea.
Write a thank you note
Always, always, always write a thoughtful thank you note immediately upon returning home. Take the time to get out your stationery and hand write a note. The best thank you notes are specific. Recall funny moments or your favorite parts of the trip. Recount special meals that you had or highlights of your adventures. The more detail that you use, the more thoughtful and heartfelt the note will become. (Need stationery? You’ve come to the right place. Shop all stationery for adults at More Than Paper by visiting here! )
True that a lot of these tips may seem like overkill. The chances are that your host will reject many of them – but by simply offering to do them, they will feel like you are an active guest and not someone who expects to be waited on. Focus your time on the quality time with your host and enjoy your stay! How lucky are you to be at someone’s beach or lake house.
