“You Should Provide Those”: Etiquette Experts Reveal The 6 Rudest Things To Do While Hosting Overnight Guests

Not Sharing Important House Information

“For overnight guests, ensure they know where they can find the essentials, like the Wi-Fi password, phone chargers, extra towels and coffee for the morning,” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast.

Consider writing or printing out a note with information about your home and any pertinent idiosyncrasies. Smith suggested including the Wi-Fi name and password, address for ordering an Uber and the location of toilet paper and other basics. She also shared some sample “peccadilloes” to point out as well.

“The cat will join you in bed if you do not fully close your door,” Smith noted as an example. “Occasionally, the pipes will bang when the heat is about to turn on, it is not a ghost. To exit the bathroom, turn the knob to the left. The hot water is instantly scalding in the shower, adjust from outside of the tub.”

Specify which bathroom your guest can use during their stay. If there are rooms or spaces you’d prefer they don’t enter, omit these areas from your home tour or mention you’d rather people avoid them. Don’t get mad at your guest for reasonable mistakes, however. 

“Decorative soap and towels in the guest bathroom? Those are fair game for guests to use, so don’t leave something out if you don’t want it used,” Leighton said.

Refrain from presenting a long list of strict rules as well. 

“Unless there are special circumstances in the home such as a special needs child who may be accustomed to certain practices at a specific time of the day, there should not be a list of rules,” Vernon-Thompson noted. “If there are certain religious practices, then definitely advise your guest of that prior to their arrival and I am sure they will respect it.”

Failing To Communicate About Plans And Expectations For The Visit

“Discuss everyone’s schedule in advance so people know what time everyone’s planning on getting up and what the plan is for the following day,” Leighton said. 

Try to be inclusive but not demanding when it comes to the schedule you’ve envisioned.

“A faux pas would be not including guests in previously scheduled plans,” Claytor said. “Or expecting guests to do things exactly as you do.”

Both hosts and guests should show consideration for the other’s needs and lifestyles. 

“Allow for some schedule flexibility,” Smith said. “You may like going to bed at 7:30 at night, but you cannot demand the guests do the same. Nor can you forbid them from speaking or watching TV that early in the evening.”

Still, try to keep these needs within reason and again, offer the opportunity to discuss any unusual issues in advance. 

“Your guest hosting a Zoom program at 2 a.m. for viewers around the world may not work for your sleeping family,” Smith noted. “The guest should be referred to appropriate accommodations nearby.”

This post originally appeared on HuffPost.