\n<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll be honest: I have some reservations about sharing my pet peeves as a host<\/a> here for all to see. I never want anyone to feel judged when they come to my home. Plus, it\u2019s frankly impossible to intuit every host\u2019s unwritten rules, and mistakes are a given \u2014 even when you do know <\/em>the right thing to do. I have definitely shown up to parties empty-handed, said something unintentionally rude, or overstayed my welcome. We\u2019re humans; we mess up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n With that said, ahead of the busy holiday season, there are a few reminders to keep top of mind when you go to your loved ones\u2019 homes. For me, personally, please stop feeding my dog from the table \u2014 <\/strong>along with a dozen other forgivable things I wish you wouldn\u2019t do.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I am not ready. There will be no snacks and no aperitif \u2014 only a flustered host wondering how I can clean the half bathroom without you noticing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If I was already worried someone would be assessing the state of my baseboards<\/a>, you\u2019ve just confirmed it. (It\u2019s worse if you sound surprised, btw.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I did not clean my teenager\u2019s bedroom for this party. There\u2019s nothing in there you want to see \u2014 I promise.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I recognize the cognitive dissonance here \u2014 I have a dog who enters and exits without shoes of any kind, but even for casual gatherings, I still want you to take your shoes off. It doesn\u2019t have to make sense. (And yes, etiquette experts say<\/a> I\u2019m allowed to ask that of you.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I know my husband\u2019s mulled wine<\/a> is incredible, but if you drink too much, I will<\/em> hide your keys, and things are going to get awkward.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It happens, and it\u2019s usually teenagers who do it. It goes like this: I think I\u2019ve finished kitchen closing<\/a> duties and I\u2019m ready for bed, only to find a stack of dessert plates in front of the television, often being licked by my dog if she gets there first. It\u2019s not my favorite.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Honestly, don\u2019t even ask me ahead of time if you can bring them, because how can I say no without feeling like I\u2019m excluding someone? Think of the introverts and just bring yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n When I was growing up in Texas, I knew a party was over when someone slapped their legs and said: \u201cWelp!\u201d<\/em> As an adult, I have an even clearer signal: I always give a start and end time when I\u2019m the host.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I am not a fan of cut flowers<\/a>. They\u2019re more trouble than they\u2019re worth \u2014 change my mind! But even for hosts who love them, finding a vase, snipping the stems, and arranging them can be stressful in the mad dash before dinner is served. If you must give flowers, bring them in a vase or, better yet, bring chocolate. It\u2019s always<\/em> welcome.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Thanks to my Amazon Echo<\/a>, it\u2019s (unfortunately) easy for a guest to change the background music. Please don\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I live in Portland, Oregon, where everyone abstains from at least one food group. Given enough lead time, I don\u2019t mind the puzzle of creating a menu free of dairy, gluten, red meat, and avocados. I do, <\/em>however,<\/em> mind making food that won\u2019t be eaten.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019m a millennial, and I truly don\u2019t mind if you want to show the table a photo, or even a video, pertinent to the conversation (bonus points if it\u2019s funny!). If it isn\u2019t shared<\/em> scrolling, though, please save it for when you get home<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n What\u2019s your biggest hosting pet peeve? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nStop commenting on how clean my house is.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t go into rooms with closed doors.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t wear your shoes inside.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t leave a plate in my bedroom.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Stop bringing uninvited guests.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t keep me up late.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t change my music.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t be shy about your food sensitivities.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t scroll alone at the table.\u00a0<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n