If I am an overnight guest in someone's home, should I bring a gift?

To properly view this site, javascript must be enabled and Flash version 9 or higher must be installed.
Get the latest Flash player
Nancy Mitchell
The Etiquette Advocate, Inc.
www.etiquetteadvocate.com  
(301) 320-2393

Nancy R. Mitchell is an established protocol and etiquette consultant and advisor with more than 30 years of experience in the field. Currently, she is an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University, where she developed and teaches protocol courses to Event Management Certificate Program students in the School of Business and Public Management, and at Stratford University, Falls Church, VA. She serves also as protocol and special events consultant to the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library and cultural center. For 23 years, Mitchell was Director of Special Events and Public Programs at the Library of Congress where she and her staff were responsible for planning and managing over 400 events each year. She coordinated the institution’s major special events, visits of heads of state and other foreign dignitaries, fundraising galas, conferences and meetings. As the Library’s chief protocol advisor, she served as liaison to the White House, U.S Department of State, the Congress, the Supreme Court and other government agencies, foreign embassies, academia and corporations. Mitchell owns The Etiquette Advocate, Inc., a firm providing etiquette and protocol training to corporations, universities, embassies, government agencies, non-profit organizations and individuals. She is the etiquette consultant to Engaged! magazine; has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox 5 News, WTOP Radio and National Public Radio; and is quoted on matters of etiquette and protocol by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Washington Business Journal. She is a co-owner of the firm, Protocol Partners-Washington Center for Protocol, Inc., and is a member of the Protocol and Diplomacy International Protocol Officers Association.

If I am an overnight guest in someone's home, should I bring a gift?

 

This expert: 509,024 views

This series: 68,954 views

Print

Transcripts

Host: If I am an overnight guest in someone s home, should I bring a gift?

Nancy Mitchell: It's again a very nice gesture to bring a gift when you are an overnight guest. Something that s always appreciated is food or beverage. Think about this, they maybe having you as the overnight guest, but there maybe other people included as well.

So, fruit baskets or something you picked up from the gourmet market or a bottle of wine or extra beverages, something that is going to help them is always appreciated. Make sure that would something that will a shelf life just in case it doesn t fit with their plans for menu or whatever is happening during the period that you are there. Another nice gesture is to while you are there; offer to go shopping for them. A host or hostess has always forgotten something and needs to run out to the market. So offer to do that and then pick up a few extra things for them and of course, you pay for those things that you pick up. That s a very nice gesture and very nice gift.

If you don t know the couple very well, attend the event; pick up some signals while you are there. Find out what their likes and their dislikes are in food or hobbies or music, theatre whatever, they may love to travel, perhaps a travel book. Later, send a gift after you ve gone home. Write a lovely thank you note that is specific saying how much you enjoyed, whatever you did with them the meals, their hospitality, a trip they may have plan for you while you were there and then send the gift.

Other Videos

  • What is the last financial vow for couples? In this video, David Marotta discusses why it's important to agree in a marriage how finances are handled, and what the five principles should be.
  • Making a Non-Candy Wedding Favor This video will show how to make a non-candy wedding favor.
  • Safe Sex - How to Use a Female Condom This video will show how to use a female condom to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted/unintended pregnancy and have safer sex.
  • Should I have live entertainment or a DJ at my wedding reception? Wedding Planner Kay Williams explains how to plan the perfect wedding reception.
  • How to Buy a Diamond This video will show how to buy a diamond. Expert Ronnie Mervis describes the fundamentals of buying a diamond and the characteristics that determine the quality, value and cost of a diamond. Specifically, he discusses the 4 C's - cut, color, clarity and carat weight - which serve as the basis for any new diamond purchase. This video includes pitfalls to avoid when selecting a quality stone, as well as the importance of proportion in securing a diamond with the most brilliant luster and sparkle.
  • Wedding Day Makeup - Fair Complexion Eyes In this video, expert fashion designer and professional make-up artist, Tu-Anh demonstrates how to apply wedding day make-up for a natural look whether you have a fair, medium, or dark complexion. This video is designed for any bride with or without experience wearing make-up. The idea is to enhance the features and make the bride look flawless on her special day.