6 Easy Ways To Be A Poised Guest

Have you ever been invited over to someone's home, and perhaps you were a bit nervous about what they will think of you?

Often when we are growing up, we are invited to sleepovers. Or perhaps, when we get into a new relationship, and we meet their parents for the first time. We want to show that we have proper manners.

Regardless of the scenario, in this post we will be going over 6 quick ways that you can be a poised house guest.

1. ALWAYS ARRIVE WITH A GIFT, YES ALWAYS.

This does not have to be something grandiose, and is really about the gesture.

Perhaps you bring wine, perhaps you bring a flower, or perhaps you bring some baked goods. The gesture won't go unnoticed. You will be revered for your class & poise.

2. DO NOT ARRIVE TOO EARLY

When someone is hosting you at their home, they will be cooking, cleaning, and preparing to welcome you. This is why we do not want to show up early, as we want to give them the appropriate time to plan this accordingly.

We want them to also have time to get ready themselves.

If you have ever hosted anyone at your home, you know that it will take some time to prepare. You will need to clean, you will need to cook, and then you will need to get yourself ready.

If someone comes early, perhaps you are in the middle of getting your make-up on, and you have to answer the door with dotted concealer and contouring all around your face.

... You do not want to cause this amount of stress and embarrassment to your host. Let's be poised guests.

3. AVOID ARRIVING TOO LATE

You may be thinking, wait, you said don't arrive too early... but what happens if I run late?

Depending on where you are in the world, this 'grace' period may vary.

However, I'd like you to consider this.

When someone is cooking for you, in their home, they will need to plan their dishes out very time sensitively.

By saying that, you will want to ensure that you are not making them overcook, or dry out their food in your absence.

We think that it is safe to come within 10 minutes of your invitation time.

Again, depending on where you are in the world, some cultures give a little bit more, or less time than this.

Be hyperaware of the culture that you find yourself in.

5. AVOID STAYING TOO LATE

We all love a good get-together, but be aware to take social clues and not overstay your welcome.

Listen out if the host has mentioned that they have an early morning.

Notice if they are offering you any further refreshments, this is a great sign to see that the evening has now come to a close.

6. DO NOT MONOPOLIZE YOUR HOSTS TIME

Depending on the size of the get-together, you may only get to say a few words to the host or hostess.

Try to have moments of meaningful connection, but do not monopolize the host’s time. They have other guests that they need to connect with, and perhaps this is a great way to schedule something more intimate in the diary.

5. NEVER INSULT YOUR HOST.

This should go without saying, however sometimes more intimate environments can push boundaries.

Perhaps you do not like the food that the host has served.

Perhaps you feel like the food was overcooked.

These are all opinions that you should keep to yourself.
Thank your host for a lovely evening, and head home.

6. FOLLOW THE RHYTHM OF YOUR HOST

This is particularly in reference to when you are staying the night, or extended period at someone's home.
If your host gets up early. You should try to get up early.

If your host is someone who has an early night. You should follow suit and also have an early night.

There is nothing more awkward than when you are hosting someone, you have planned a morning for them... but they have slept in.

Equally, there is nothing more awkward than when you are hosting someone, and they are up at the crack of dawn, waiting for you to play tour guide.

Match your host’s energy, after all, they have been so gracious to let you into their home. The least you can do is match the energy of their home.

We would love to hear your best tips and tricks for being a poised guest. Please feel free to leave them in the comments.