With Christmas around the corner, friends, family and everyone in between are gearing up for a period of socialising, mince pie-eating and making merry.
As over half (52%) of the UK plan to host this Christmas, some of us may be dreading the chaos that can come in tow!
Whether you’re on hosting duties or visiting loved ones, get in the festive spirit and follow these tips for hosting and guest etiquette this Christmas.
The most common merry mishaps
We researched the most common merry mishaps to happen across our homes at Christmas. Plus, we uncovered some of our biggest pet peeves for hosts.
More than half of us in the UK (52%) have experienced a mishap while hosting over the festive period, with a quarter of us (26%) having dealt with stained carpets or furniture from spillages.
Hosts said the biggest frustrations that guests are guilty of include:
- overstaying their welcome (23%)
- spilling and breaking things (23%)
- making a mess and not clearing up (20%)
- bringing uninvited guests (20%)
- criticising the food (18%)
When it comes to playing the perfect host, many of us have house rules when we have guests over.
From insisting guests smoke or vape outside to removing their shoes when they enter the home, hosts have a range of boundaries they set to try keep their house in order.
Top tips for how to be a good host and guest at Christmas
To help make sure you have a Christmas to remember (for all the right reasons!), we spoke to professional Grant Harrold, more famously known as ‘The Royal Butler’.
He shared his top etiquette tips on how to be a good guest, and how to prepare for hosting this Christmas:
RSVP promptly
It’s always best to respond to your host as soon as you know whether you can attend the event. This helps them plan everything better, from seating arrangements to food preparation.
If you’re unsure about whether you can attend, try to give an estimated answer and let your host know you’ll confirm as soon as possible.
Your prompt response shows respect for their efforts and consideration for their planning. After all, you never want to be known as the friend who is always late!
Set the scene
Time for you to be the host with the most! Create a festive atmosphere by decorating your space.
Use lights, ornaments and seasonal decor to set a warm and inviting tone. Stay safe this Christmas by making sure nothing is a tripping hazard - we don’t want any accidents!
Bring a thoughtful gift
When attending a gathering, it’s a lovely gesture to bring a small gift for your host. This could be a nice bottle of wine, a delightful festive treat or a thoughtful personal item that reflects your appreciation for their hospitality.
A gift doesn’t have to be extravagant; even a simple token can show your gratitude and make your host feel valued for the time and effort they’ve put into hosting the event.
Dress appropriately
Ladies and gentlemen, you never want to be the only person in the ugly Christmas jumper! Sticking to the dress code given in the invitation is essential.
If no dress code is mentioned, aim to wear something that’s festive yet respectful of the occasion.
Consider the setting and the type of event when choosing your outfit. Being appropriately dressed not only shows respect for your host, but also helps you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the gathering.
Prepare your space
Did you know that two fifths (38%) of hosts in the UK have paid out for carpet cleaning following an accident, while a fifth (22%) have fixed walls or ceiling damage after hosting Christmas?
Before guests arrive, consider making some adjustments to your home. If you’re hosting this Christmas, move delicate items out of reach or designate certain areas as off-limits to minimise the risk of damage to your home.
Work the room
Make sure to spread the love. Social gatherings are an opportunity to meet new people and strengthen existing connections. Make an effort to mingle and engage with other guests, as this fosters a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Initiating conversations, asking questions and showing genuine interest in others can lead to an event to remember.
Thank your host
Before you leave the event, be sure to express your gratitude to your host for the invitation and the wonderful time you had. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way in acknowledging their efforts.
Following up with a thank you note or message the next day adds an extra touch of appreciation. It’s a small but significant gesture that your host will surely appreciate!
Staying safe at Christmas
We’re all too familiar with hearing about our customers’ accidents over the festive period.
Whether it’s an accident in your home - which could really destroy any festive cheer - or a break-in, December is one of the busiest months of the year for claims.
Stay safe and watch out for these Christmas calamities featured in our 12 claims of Christmas video.
