When you’re visiting someone outside your home, there’s nothing better than making a good impression. Since I started applying these tips, I feel much better when I visit other people’s homes. Want to know what they are?
First impressions are important. So are second and third impressions… There is no excuse not to be polite when visiting other people’s homes, whether they are trusted friends or people you’ve just met. It is worth remembering that when we are invited to have a good time in someone else’s home, we should also treat that space as our own.
This doesn’t mean cleaning the whole house or rearranging the furniture (never!). But it is important to follow certain rules of parenting and, above all, to show empathy when cleaning and looking after things. Here are some tips handed down from generation to generation on how to be a great guest when invited to eat or share food in other people’s homes. Which ones have you already put into practice?
1. Take off your shoes!
It’s not the most common thing to do, but often the hosts ask us to take our shoes off before coming inside. And that’s perfectly logical. Shoes collect dust mites, bacteria and dirt from the outside on their soles. Even in your own home, it makes sense to take them off and wear slippers or thick socks. The floors stay cleaner for much longer and we can walk more comfortably in all corners of the house.
If you visit someone else’s home and they don’t ask you to take your shoes off, always ask. Perhaps people have forgotten to offer you slippers. Or maybe they are not used to going barefoot at home. You have nothing to lose by asking.
2. Offer to help with the dishes
Some of us are a bit pushy, but others don’t even offer to help when they have finished eating. Don’t make this mistake! It never hurts to have someone lend a helping hand by picking up the dirty dishes and tidying up the table a bit. If you’ve experienced this at home, you know what I mean.
Helping to put the dishes in the dishwasher, putting out the tablecloth or wiping crumbs off the table can be small gestures that make a big difference. However, it is always a good idea to respect the hosts’ wishes if they do not want to be helped, and to express this.
3. Be careful with the bathroom
If you are in a hurry when you go to the guest bathroom, you may leave the sink wet or with traces of soap on it. You will notice this when the next person enters the room and it is their turn to use it. We all know how unpleasant it is to walk into a bathroom and find it full of water. When you have finished washing your hands, make sure there is no water left on the countertop. A microsecond’s attention can make life easier for other guests and hosts.
4. Tidy coats and scarves
The moment you walk into someone else’s home is very important. Sometimes, when we get excited and greet other guests, we forget the warm clothes and accessories we brought with us. Leaving your handbag, scarf or other items in order is very important to save time for your hosts. If there is no coat rack in the lobby, see where you can leave your belongings so that you don’t make a mess in the living or dining room.
5. Napkins and placemats? Use them!
It may seem obvious, but placemats and napkins are there to be used. The best way to keep your table clean is to use the utensils that are designed for it. Placemats, in particular, prevent liquids from getting on the furniture. Make use of them as well as coasters.
