As much as the holidays are about extending invitations, they’re also about accepting them. This season, filled with celebratory gatherings, lends ample opportunity to spend time with loved ones—or invite new friends into the fold. For some, attending can bring a sigh of relief. There’s a warranted freedom in simply…showing up.
Anyone who’s experienced hosting knows how much work pulling off a gathering can be, even when done with joy. To look at this season of hosting in a new way, we’re sharing five ways to express appreciation and lighten the load, as a guest, for your host.
01 RSVP on Time
Whether an invitation is sent via text, email, or the old-fashioned way, it’s a good practice to reply promptly. Responding the same day you receive your invite is a helpful way to mitigate forgotten replies or a last-minute “I’m coming!” message to the host. If you need more time to make a plan, no worries. Let your host know you received the invitation and will have a response to them within the day, week—or however long you need. Early replies help a host plan accordingly and make sure they’re set for everyone arriving with plenty of time to spare.
02 Clarify Beforehand
When to come? Where to park? What to bring? These are all valid questions and worthy of being addressed. It’s in the best interest of you (and your host!) to clear up any confusion on the front end, rather than waiting until the day of the gathering. The hours leading up to an event can be busy for a host—setting the table, finishing dishes, or adding final flourishes around the house—so they may not be able to respond at the ready. Clarifying expectations in advance ensures both you and your host feel prepared walking into your time together.
03 Decide What You're Bringing
Whether it’s a potluck of family favorites, a cocktail party, or a four-course meal around the dining room table, there’s always space to bring a little something to share. Consider asking your host what you can contribute when you send your RSVP for the gathering—or shortly after. If they say “nothing!”, either take them at their word or use the opportunity to get creative. Ask yourself what would be helpful if you were hosting. Or, what’s something unique to you that’s worth sharing?
Maybe it’s a bottle of aged wine from a recent trip to Italy, a bundle of fresh herbs from your garden, or a plate of homemade cookies to spread some extra cheer. These are all ways of showing the host that you’re excited to be there and invested in the time together. (Pictured above: Jo's Apple Pie in our Andorra Pie Dish)
If you’re looking for more ideas on what to bring to the table, we have a whole collection of tried-and-tested recipes from Jo and our friends from Magnolia Network available right here online.
04 Be Present
Perhaps the best way to be a memorable guest is this: Be present. Lean in, listen, and learn from those around you. Ask good questions and be ready to answer them with honesty and intentionality. One of the greatest gifts of any gathering is to walk away with a deeper knowledge of one another—as this is how true community is built. Show your host appreciation by putting your phone away and being all in.
05 Express Gratitude
Even though hosting is often considered a joy, it can take a lot of planning, time, and energy—and expressing gratitude acknowledges that. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or more gatherings along the way, making a habit of showing up and saying thank you is a great way to cap off time well spent together.
This can be done through putting pen to paper and sending a thank you card through the mail—or leaving a small token of gratitude on your way out. (Think a seasonal candle, cookbook, serving tray, etc.) You could also combine your contribution to the meal with a gift for your host—like wrapping a loaf of sourdough in a new tea towel or bringing a fresh-baked pie and leaving the dish behind. To make it that much easier, click hereOpens in new tab for some printable “thank you” tags to tie on a hosting gift next time you attend a gathering in someone’s home.
These shared experiences have a special way of turning strangers into friends and friends into family. Although there’s no formula for proper guest etiquette, living in a state of gratitude is always a great place to start.
