Don't show up empty-handed, and give some thought to what you bring.
You know the expression, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" I think that is a good rule of thumb when thinking about how to be a good house guest.
This past (long) weekend, I had the opportunity to host a cousin who was in town for a college reunion. I was excited to see her and her husband, and spend more than a meal/ half-day with them at a time.
When they arrived, I was given a most-generous and thoughtful host(ess) gift, and let me tell you -- that absolutely made me feel appreciated and loved. She (and her husband) arrived with muffins she had made (yum!), as well as an incredibly thoughtful book, a bottle of wine, AND they picked up dinner one night (which she had told me she was intending). It was a bit much, and more than expected or probably even appropriate, but I loved it all, and it has inspired me to up my house guest game.
The book she gave (pictured above) was perfect -- it offers esoteric recipes and travel insights I would never have been aware of. And, since she also loves to travel, eat, and cook, it was fun to have around to inspire conversation if/ when it lagged (which, in fact, it really never did). It was something we could share. And while this host(ess) gift was generous (monetarily), a great gift absolutely need not be expensive. A great gift needs to be thoughtful. And, ideally, something the recipient would not have bought for him- or herself, and something he or she can use but doesn't need (or know that he or she needs). Like that book, the wine, or the muffins. Be like my cousin.
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