If you’re hosting a dinner party or having guests stay for the weekend, you may wonder what is the best way to welcome your visitors – do you go formal or choose a more relaxed approach?
According to a new survey by Airbnb, 47 per cent of Brits get stressed about how to greet a guest correctly – do you hug, offer a handshake, or kiss on the cheek? The study also found that 45 per cent feel their social etiquette isn’t of a high enough standard to be considered good enough for royal company.
With homeowners in Windsor planning to cash in through Airbnb ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, etiquette experts Debrett’s has teamed up with the short-term lodging platform to create the Royal Etiquette Guide to Hosting. It's the ultimate how-to, combining traditional British etiquette and rules for hosting like a royal.
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Renee Kuo, Debrett’s managing director, said: ‘Whether you’re hosting a visitor from overseas or near shores, and whether your guest is a true royal fan or simply visiting the capital to soak up the sights, our guide provides tips on how to treat your guests like royalty and show them the best of British hospitality.
‘By following our tips on manners, any unnecessary stress or awkwardness hosts may feel should be removed so that they can ensure their guests feel welcome and have a great stay.’
Here are Debretts’ top 10 tips for hosting like a royal…
1. Stick to the arrival time
If you want to act like a royal, then make sure you're on time. Be punctual when greeting your guest and when serving any food. Did you know that clocks in the kitchen at Windsor Castle are set to run five minutes fast so that food is always served promptly?
2. Give appropriate greetings
The best bet is to greet your guest with a handshake. However, if you're not sure, take your cue from your guest.
3. Get some home comforts prepared
When your guest arrives, it is good etiquette to offer refreshments. Have water, tea and coffee, plus fruit or other snacks prepared for their arrival. If you're hosting for the royal wedding, then you may want to add some quintessentially British touches to the table, such as cream tea or regional cheeses.
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4. Explain the amenities
Leave your guests instructions that will come in handy during their stay, including Wi-Fi login details, how to work the shower and any other appliances and smart technology.
5. Give your guests space
It's always good etiquette to give your guests space, especially if they are feeling tired or experiencing jet lag. Adapt your routine to suit your guests, not the other way round.
6. Make the pets happy
If you are a host who accepts pets, recommend local parks or walking services for canine visitors. Another useful tip is to have some dog treats available – the pup and owner will both be grateful. Apparently, Meghan's first Christmas present to the Queen was a singing toy hamster that the corgis loved.
7. Share local secrets
Ensure your guests are getting the most from their stay by providing them with information about local attractions, events, eateries and sights. Insider tips are always appreciated.
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8. Be big day ready
If your guests are attending the royal wedding, or any other wedding for that matter, it's key that they have everything they need to look stylish and photo-ready. This means offering a full-length mirror, wardrobe space, and plug converters for hairdryers and straighteners.
9. Offer a smooth departure
Be prepared for their departure – research transport options for journeying to their next destination or station.
10. Say goodbye like you greet
Follow the same guidelines for greetings when you say farewell to your guests. Take your cue from them, but be cautious of hugging as it may make them uncomfortable. But the best final goodbye has got to be a royal wave.
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Katie Avis-RiordanI'm Web Writer at Country Living and House Beautiful
