Houseguest May 2026

: Wine, flowers, candles, or specialty food items from your home country.

: Ask about food allergies or dietary restrictions before they arrive. Consider leaving a "dark makeup towel" in the bathroom to prevent stains on your light-colored linens.

: For long-term unwanted guests, you may eventually need to set a specific move-out date or, in extreme cases, provide formal notice of eviction if they have no other place to go. Houseguest

: Help with meal prep (like chopping veggies) or loading the dishwasher.

Being a great houseguest—or a gracious host—is about balancing hospitality with boundaries. While there are no universal "hard-and-fast" laws, following general etiquette guidelines helps ensure everyone remains on good terms. The Golden Rules for Guests : Wine, flowers, candles, or specialty food items

: Many hosts consider four days or more to be the point where a guest may start to overstay their welcome. A standard weekend (2–3 days) is usually considered an ideal visit length.

: If your host is saving you hotel costs, it is a kind gesture to take them out for a meal or order in dinner at least once. : For long-term unwanted guests, you may eventually

: Small touches go a long way. Provide clean linens, extra blankets, and a basket of travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion).