Comments on: Be Our Guest!

By: Lucy Haydu

Lucy Haydu — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:12:21 +0000

Living in Phoenix, most of my guests are during the winter months, one year I actually had 9 sets of golf clubs in the garage (and I’m not a golfer). Growing up, we always had visitors, my mother used to say, “your house is as big as you want it to be”…equating to it will hold/sleep as many people as you want to make room for. I feel the same way, I enjoy having my family/friends staying with me. When visiting, keep your belongings in your room (don’t leave your shoes by the door, coat on a chair or items on the bathroom counter) use common sense and pick up after yourself. It is the small things you do that a host will appreciate, if you’re are a thoughtful guest, you’ll be welcomed back over and over. Nicest hostess gift received, had friends from the UK that stayed with me for a week, we crammed in so much and we had a blast, after their return to the UK, they sent a monthly fruit basket…this allowed me to relive the fun memories we experienced every month for a year!

By: Jamie Ohler

Jamie Ohler — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:36:53 +0000

Great post! I would add that if the hosts have EVERYTHING - I have gotten them a little “guest” book - and began it - by writing them a little note and adding things I did - so others may enjoy what I did. Also - Be sure - if anyone is like me - to tell the guest where you keep extra blankets! - That 3 Am freeze is awful and you never want to wake your hosts to merely ask for a blanket!

By: Sheldon Nidetz

Sheldon Nidetz — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:26:39 +0000

Interesting topic, Merrill, and very appropriate timing just prior to the summer traveling season. If the hosts I am visiting have children, I like to bring them a little something. I also like to take hosts out to one of their favorite restaurants as a “thank you.” I really like Ed’s idea of a charitable contribution!

By: Karen S

Karen S — Fri, 18 May 2007 15:53:02 +0000

Hi Merrill,
Are these hints and tips related to my upcoming trip? We’ll be sure to review and follow them closely Any special requests for a special gift from Mexico?

We are REALLY looking forward to the wedding and to our visit with you after the honeymoon!!
See you soon!

By: Harry Heller

Harry Heller — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:03:13 +0000

My favorite proverb on this topic is:

Guests are like fish. After 3-days they begin to smell bad.

By: Steve Schlesinger

Steve Schlesinger — Wed, 16 May 2007 16:41:31 +0000

Most of all know who you are visiting - for most visits to old friends, it is more important to bring a gift to their spouse. After all they have to put up with the visit, which usually involves some form of debauchery, if not laundry service.

As an aside, I did happen to visit the host of this blog on one occasion and in the process of getting him a gift prior to arrival, I almost ran out of gas - Merrill, the gift was close to being a phone call to come get me at the shopping center 2 miles from your house! Lucky it was a nice bottle of wine and some flowers for your lovely wife instead of that phone call - hope I get invited back.

By: Merrill Dubrow

Merrill Dubrow — Wed, 16 May 2007 16:32:43 +0000

I saw this quote this morning and thought it was very appropriate:

Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.

– Victor Borge

By: Ed Sugar

Ed Sugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 13:19:36 +0000

Excellent posting Merrill. A gift for your host is essential. If your friend or family member is “someone who has everything”, then alternative is to make a contribution in their name to their favorite charity, recognizing their hospitality