It’s always easy to complain about accommodations, sleeping arrangements, food and everything else. But, are you a good guest?
We covered How to Be a Good Host in this post. But what if you’re on the other end this Yom Tov? You want to be a pleasure to host as well! We interviewed both hosts and guests to hear their thoughts.
- Help out! You’re not at a Pesach program.
Your hostess prepared for your arrival for (probably) weeks. Her feet are achy by now, she is tired and yet so happy to have you there. You couldn’t help much with the shopping or the cooking, but now you can definitely help with the clearing up, sweeping, taking out the trash… the list goes on. Basically, be open to doing what you do in your own home. Keep insisting and helping. People remember the guests that help and the ones that don’t. The ones that do get invited again!
- Clean up after yourself and your kids.
A dirty diaper goes into a shopping bag and then in the trash. Outside.
You used the high chair? Wipe it down. Baby bottles? Wash them.
Collect your stuff and keep it in your room, as much as possible.
Also, the toys. Yes, the children are still playing with them. But, children do play better in a neat environment. Clean up as you go along. Don’t let the mess become too much.
- Take notice and compliment. Again and again!
“That soup was so delicious!” “ I slept so well! These beds are amazing!” “What did you put in that salad? It’s so tasty! I need the recipe.”
All women, no matter what age, need compliments and appreciation. It’s the fuel that recharges and keeps us going.
- And again…gifts.
Gifts are EVERY hostess’s love language! You don’t need to go crazy and spend a lot, but you do need to show that you thought about it, appreciate the fact that you are being invited, and buy something. A framed picture of the kids is always appreciated.
On that note, don’t bring fresh flowers that need to be cut and arranged right before Shabbos/Yom Tov, if you are arriving close to the zman. It just becomes one more thing to do.
- Don’t leave a mess behind
No matter how you look at it, stripped linens always looks better. It shows you tried and cared enough to help, even that bit. True, in many homes it might be the housekeeper cleaning up after you leave, but even so, it’s the right thing to do and you are teaching your children manners as they see you do that.
Speaking of housekeepers, if you will be staying for an extended period, a nice thing is to bring a small gift for the help. After all, she will be cleaning after you and your children. A hand lotion, diffuser, or even a small gift card can go a long way.
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