When inviting guests to your home, let them know what time you expect them to arrive and to leave. Mention in your invitation any activities, such as tennis or swimming, that call for special clothes.
If someone has a reputation for staying longer than scheduled, arrange an activity for the day after the agreed departure time and inform the guest of your other plans.
Check to see if your guests have food and drink preferences or allergies. The role of the guest.
Bring a small gift - wine, flowers or a homemade cake. Or bring toys to leave behind for your hosts' children.
Adjust to the schedule of the house. If you're an early riser, try to remain in your room until your hosts are up and about. If you must have a cup of coffee, move quietly around the kitchen.
Instead of asking if and how you can help, simply observe. Work out what needs to be done and do it. A good guest pitches in by helping to clean up after meals, emptying the kitchen bin and occasionally buying the groceries.
Offer to bring or buy one night's dinner. If you plan to visit for three nights or longer (usually not a good idea), take your hosts out or cook for them, but give them enough warning so that they won't already have made plans for that meal.
Keep the guest room neat and clean even when the door is closed. On the last day of your stay, remove and fold your soiled linen and remake the bed with just the blanket so that the guest room looks presentable after you leave.
Ask permission before using the telephone and offer to reimburse your host.
Don't overstay your welcome.
