Do you have guests coming to stay? The annual visit from the in-laws, or a long lost cousin? Or maybe a friend you see every five years? Or maybe you’re a guest in someone else's home?
These can be times to dread, rather than look forward to, but little things can make a big difference.
We've put together ten tips - five each for hosts and guests - to help make the time a little more relaxing for everyone.
For hosts
1. Welcome home
Make your guests feel right at home by giving them a key to the house so they can come-and-go as they wish and by providing easy access to amenities they find in hotels or their own homes like a Wi-Fi access cheat sheet and by providing a quick tour of the kitchen and pantry so they can get the basics (tea, coffee, cold drink, breakfast) for themselves.
2. Be swish
Do as the top hotels and make their room look and smell beautiful. Just a simple gesture such as extra pillows on the bed, a cushion or two, a comfy chair if it can fit, spare towels, and a scented candle for ambience and smell!
3. Stock up on drinks
Make sure there’s something for everyone, whether it be a selection of teas, soft drink, wine, beer and spirits.
4. Bring out the games
Regardless of age, we're never too old to have some old-fashioned fun. Board games are a great way to spend time together away from the television or computer. Building a gingerbread house is another great activity if there are kids around.
5. Prepare toiletries
Create a little kit for your guest room that includes everything they might need - or could forget - including soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, disposable razor, shower cap and body lotion. Chances are they won’t need it but they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness anyway.
For guests
Just because you're the one travelling, don't expect the world to cater to you (even if you're staying in a hotel). Treat your hosts well.
1. Show gratitude and bring a gift
A host or hostess gift is a must if visiting friends or family, in addition to any exchange of presents on Christmas Day.
If you're staying at someone's house, you should also ensure you contribute some way through the purchase of food, drink or taking the family for an outing.
It also doesn't hurt to apply the 'pay it forward' rule if staying at a hotel. Give the doorman, concierge or housekeeper a tip. Remember hotel employees are missing the holidays with their families to serve you. A little appreciation goes a very long way!
2. Clean up after yourself
Wash your plates or stack them in the dishwasher after meals and don't forget to strip your bed before you leave.
3. Don't expect a babysitter
If you're travelling with kids, just because you're on vacation, remember it is still your responsibility to watch them. If your child is in the curious and exploring stage, bring some easy and temporary childproofing items with you like cabinet and door locks.
4. Respect house rules
This may not seem like a big deal to you, but to your host it matters. Show respect, and if certain areas are off limits, smoking isn’t permitted in the house, dogs should only enter certain rooms (or not at all), or shoes are to be removed when inside, it's important to do so.
5. Thank you
Never underestimate the power of the written word. Whether you stayed with family or at a hotel, a simple note is a great way to express your appreciation. Don’t use text message, but if you can’t manage to write it on a piece of paper and send it, then an e-mail will do.
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