I’m an etiquette expert – five things you should NEVER do when visiting someone’s home – it screams bad manners
WHEN it comes to visiting someone's house, there are several unwritten etiquette rules that people should follow.
So, are you the perfect guest - or are you guilty of committing some of the rudest sins?
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, , who is The British School of Etiquette's certified etiquette expert, explains: "Being a perfect and decorous house guest is one of those subtle but indispensable skills, which will ensure you make a good impression, always be welcome and get invited to all social gatherings and special occasions."
Here, she reveals five things you should never do when visiting someone’s home...
1. Turning up unannounced, inviting yourself, arriving late or too early
Consideration for other people’s time is the height of good manners, which means you should never be frivolous or lax towards social timings, according to Anastasia.
"The strict unspoken rules of proper behaviour mandate are to arrive 5 to 10 minutes after the specified time, not to overstay your welcome and under no circumstances, turn up uninvited or unannounced," she says.
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"Arriving early may put your host under pressure, who still may need to make some final touches or get dressed.
"Refrain from being the last one to leave no matter how much fun you are having, as lingering is usually tiresome and annoying for the host who may be simply too polite to ask you to leave."
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However, Anastasia notes that the ultimate faux pas is, of course, cancelling last minute, not showing up or bringing a ‘plus one’, children or pets, without asking the host first.
2. Unsolicited house tours
The etiquette expert points out that the level of etiquette you adhere to should closely reflect the formality of the occasion or how familiar you are with your host.
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"Always stay in the area of the house with other guests and unless offered by the host, abstain from looking around the house or the apartment, especially entering private spaces like bedroom or study, as this may come across as very intrusive," says Anastasia, who often posts her top tips to her page.
"Helping yourself to food or drink and opening the fridge or cupboard for snacks should only be reserved to close friends or family get-togethers."
"In any other scenarios, wait to be offered a drink or hors d’oeuvres."
3. Never arrive empty-handed
Anastasia warns that turning up empty-handed is an epitome of bad manners, even if your host asked not to bring anything.
"The gift doesn’t have to be expensive or flashy: from a box of biscuits or fine chocolates to a bottle of prosecco or XO cognac - it all depends on the occasion and how well you know your host," she explains.
"It is best to gift something that the host may not have an immediate use for, than not to bring anything at all."
She adds: "Premium scented candles, small house plants or cheese knife sets are some of the safe options to consider."
4. Eat before you leave home
The etiquette guru says that arriving at a social gathering or party starving will mean that you will ultimately concentrate on snacks or food served rather than fellow guests.
"Remember, there is nothing classy or sophisticated about being hungry and overindulging in drinks, snacks or canapés," Anastasia points out.
"The prime purpose of being invited to any party is to converse, catch up with friends or make new acquaintances."
"Even if the food is served in the form of a sit-down meal or a buffet, make sure you are only slightly hungry, which will ensure that you enjoy your food whilst being able to stay present in the moment."
5. Phones, tech and Wi-Fi
Over the last decade, technology has established itself as a major part of our everyday life.
But Anastasia notes that as the technology evolved, so did the etiquette rules around us using our smartphones, watches and iPads.
"As a guest, you should never use any tech, ask for a Wi-Fi password, take pictures without permission or keep your phone on a table," she explains.
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"It is incredibly rude and ill-mannered to check your phone, text or answer calls whilst in the presence of others.
"As always, there may be some flexibility around this rule if you are surrounded by your closest family and friends in a very relaxed environment, but anything above that, you should endeavour to switch your phone off or put it onto the flight mode and pay undivided attention to your host and fellow guests."
