Each week we cut through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.
Recently, my colleague Danielle Renwick published a piece where she interviewed Chelsea Fagan, author of Having People Over, about how to host a dinner party without breaking the bank.
Read the story here: Get the cheap wine glasses: How to spend less on a dinner party in the US – and impress people more
I’m not hosting any holiday bashes this year (my New York City apartment is a bit too tiny for that), so I asked Fagan for her best advice on how I can be a great guest. Her wisdom put my mind at ease, reassuring me that it’s not about the amount of money I spend on a host gift or splurging on an expensive bottle of wine.
In our conversation, we covered everything from the faux pas guests should avoid and a simple yet memorable way to express gratitude to your host.
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Better late than early
One of Fagan’s cardinal rules for being a great guest won’t cost you a penny: “Never, ever, ever show up early to someone’s home. It’s stressful for the host,” she said. If you do find yourself early, ask the host if there’s any last-minute item you can grab on your way over.
In Fagan’s book, she writes that the perfect time to arrive is 10 minutes after the party’s start time.As someone who notoriously shows up 15 minutes late, I was thrilled to hear that it might not be the bad habit I thought it was.
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Gift wisely
If you’ve ever hosted a party, you know it’s always a little harder than you anticipated. When selecting a gift for your host, make sure you’re not creating more work for them. For example, if you’re bringing flowers, Fagan recommends putting them in a vase beforehand.
And because hosting around the holidays can be exhausting, Fagan suggests acknowledging this with the items you bring.
“When I’m a guest at a holiday party, which usually takes a lot of effort, I typically like to show up with two things: one for the party itself and one for the next day,” Fagan said. She suggests bringing a bottle of wine for the party and pastries for the following morning.
Need ideas? Read our staff’s guide to 163 holiday gift ideas here.
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No surprises
While it might not seem like a big deal to spring your new gluten-free diet or last-minute plus-one on your host, it’s a hassle for anyone who’s put energy into planning. This is why Fagan advises telling the host about allergies, an extra attendee or if you’ll be arriving late in advance.
“Keep in mind that 99% of it [being a good guest] is communication,” Fagan said.
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Express your gratitude
Yet another completely free tip that will earn you points with the host: basic manners.
“The misconception of people is that the art of being a guest is about bringing something really fancy or doing something impressive or mysterious. It’s not that at all. It’s saying please and thank you,” Fagan said.
If you want to go the extra mile, Fagan has advice for that, too: send the party host a handwritten thank-you note to express your gratitude.
“It’s just a nice little reminder that makes the day special,” Fagan said of why she personally loves to receive a thank-you note from her guests.
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Sustainable alternatives: pet toys
I love nothing more than watching my dog open up a new toy (although somehow he found his Christmas gift early this year).
But because many pet toys are filled with plastic, they aren’t always the best for the planet. So, we wanted to find more sustainable alternatives. And our roundups of the best eco-friendly dog and cat toys were tested by highly trained experts – 11-month-old-pup Koop and an adorable orange cat, Juno.
From a classic chew toy shaped like a dog bone to a hide-and-seek tunnel made of paper and cardboard, our list has great holiday gifts to add to your pet’s toy bin or play area.
Read our guide for dogs here: The eight best eco-friendly dog toys in the US – pup-tested
Read our guide for cats here: The seven best eco-friendly cat toys for owners who hate to waste
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Gifting help: moms
Calling all children: it’s not too late to exchange that kitschy mug or pair of holiday socks for a gift your mom will use on the regular. The right tech gift will delight her daily, rather than ending up forgotten in the back of her nightstand.
Tech writer Christine Persaud asked moms what gadgets they’re eyeing this holiday season. On their lists? A budget-friendly mug warmer and splurgy wellness tracker that doubles as a sleek piece of jewelry.
Read our gift guide here: The 15 best tech gifts in the US for moms, as requested by moms
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Best of: small business gifts
Worried you’ll gift your recipient something they already have? Consider selecting one of the eclectic products recommended in our small-business gift guide.
We’ve highlighted some truly unique products such as these beautifully designed tea towels and a lovely olive oil and za’atar gift set.
These items are sure to stand out among the sea of generic department store sweaters and mass-produced holiday candles that’ll be gifted this season, and you can feel good about supporting independent businesses.
Read our guide here: 19 unique small-business gifts that beat predictable US big brands
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Gifting help: outdoor enthusiasts
If you’re shopping for someone who lists hiking as one of their hobbies or considers camping a “relaxing vacation”, you’ll want to consult our gift guide for outdoor lovers.
These items come highly recommended by outdoor enthusiast and journalist Josh Patterson, who (quite literally) dragged some of these products through the mud during his outdoor adventures. His roundup includes a practical range of gift ideas, including a pair of socks that’ve kept his feet warm during hikes and a cast-iron skillet he swears by for campground cooking.
Read our guide here: The 20 best gifts in the US for people who love the outdoors, tested in nature by our expert
