How to be a great guest This Christmas

Thoughtful ways to make hosting easier (and more joyful!) for everyone.

Christmas is a beautifully chaotic time of year, generous tables, generous helpings, and generous amounts of effort happening behind the scenes. If you’re lucky enough to be a guest in someone else’s home this festive season, a little thoughtfulness will go a very long way.

Here are our  top tips for being the right kind of guest

1. Ask what you can bring (and always follow the brief)

Most hosts don’t need five bowls of potato salad or a surprise pavlova. Ask what would genuinely help — and stick to it.

If they say “just bring yourselves,”  wine or chocolates or flowers are all well received 

Bonus: If you're bringing flowers to a busy event, it's a nice touch to also bring an inexpensive vase so that the host isn’t then scrambling to find one in the middle of cooking.

2. Arrive on time, not early

Early guests can create instant panic, especially when hosts are juggling hot dishes and last-minute prep. Arrive at the agreed time or slightly after. Running late? Send a quick message. Don't rob them of being able to welcome you in the style and timing they have planned.

3. Offer to help but don’t hover

A polite “Can I do anything?” is perfect. If the host says no, take the hint.
They might have a plan, a flow, or simply need the kitchen to themselves for five minutes of calm.

4. Keep benches clear (and kitchen chaos to a minimum)

Kitchens are at full capacity on Christmas Day. Don’t put handbags, jackets, gifts or platters on the bench unless the host directs you.

5. Bring food that’s cold, ready-to-serve, or hands-off

The oven is sacred real estate. If you’re contributing food, choose something that doesn’t need to be reheated or finished onsite.
Think: salads, antipasti, desserts, or bubbly that just needs chilling.

6. Mind your social media

Before you post something, check with the host. Not everyone wants their home, their kids, or the half-eaten ham leg on Instagram.
When in doubt: ask.

7. Pace yourself with the drinks

Christmas pours can be generous, but nobody wants to be that guest — the one who needs putting to bed before the mains.
Enjoy yourself, have a lovely time, but keep an eye on your pace.
A long lunch is… long.

8. Embrace small talk, but come prepared - What are you brining to the table?

You might find yourself next to a distant relative, a new partner, or someone you’ve just met for the first time. Putting a little effort into conversation helps the whole table flow and keeps the day feeling warm and connected. Have some good chat or questions up your sleeve beyond "what do you do?" !

• “Have you discovered anything great lately — a book, a movie, a café?”
• “Any travel or projects you’re excited about next year?”
• “What’s been a highlight of your week so far?”
  
  
  

9. Help tidy up - even a little

You don’t need to wash the dishes, but stacking plates, collecting glasses, or taking rubbish out helps more than you realise.

10 Say thank you on the day, and again tomorrow
Hosting is a huge effort, and acknowledging it makes your host feel seen.