The holiday season brings a whirlwind of gatherings, from intimate dinners to grand holiday feasts. As the saying goes, “It’s better to give than to receive” — but when you’re the guest, what you give is thoughtful behaviour and respect. Martha Stewart, the queen of hospitality, has shared her wisdom on the art of being a gracious guest, and it’s packed with simple, yet meaningful, gestures. Here’s a guide to mastering holiday guest etiquette, inspired by Stewart’s approach to being the guest every host hopes for.

1. RSVP Promptly — And Be Honest

As soon as you receive an invitation, RSVP promptly. Stewart reminds us that a timely response allows hosts to plan everything from seating arrangements to meal portions. And if you’re unsure, let your host know and give a deadline for when you can confirm. If you have dietary restrictions, don’t wait until the last minute to mention them. A thoughtful host will likely accommodate, but they’ll appreciate the advance notice.

2. Bring a Thoughtful Host Gift

Martha Stewart’s tried-and-true advice? Never arrive empty-handed. A thoughtful host gift can be anything from a small, seasonal bouquet to a homemade treat or a high-quality candle. If you know your host’s preferences, tailor the gift to their style; for example, a bottle of their favorite wine or a set of artisanal teas for tea lovers. Keep the gift unassuming, the purpose is to express gratitude, not to upstage the event itself. Some gift suggestions:

• Flowers: Feyi Flower

• Embroidered Aprons for the host/ess: Etsy
• Personalised Gifts
• Teas: Fortnum and Mason
• Candles (Loewe/ Diptyque) with the Candle Warmer

3. Arrive On Time (And do not overstay)

Punctuality shows respect for the time and effort your host put into preparing the event. Martha suggests arriving within 15 minutes of the set time. If you know you’ll be late, communicate early and keep the delay short. Likewise, pay attention to social cues when it’s time to leave. Your host may be too polite to mention it, but as the evening winds down, help wind down the night by gathering your things without lingering.

4. Engage and Offer Help

One of the most appreciated gestures at any gathering is a guest’s willingness to lend a hand. Offer to help with small tasks like setting the table or clearing dishes, but don’t insist if the host declines. Martha encourages guests to tune into the energy of the gathering and ensure they’re contributing to a joyful atmosphere. As a guest, be attentive, make conversation, and introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know.

5. Be Mindful of Tech Etiquette

Put your phone on silent and keep it out of sight to show you’re fully present. Martha’s advice is clear: the best way to express gratitude is to engage in the moment. Snapping photos is generally fine, but keep it minimal and avoid distracting others with screen time. If you do capture any memories, ask the host first, especially before sharing anything on social media.

6. Express Your Gratitude with a Follow-Up Note

A handwritten thank-you note or a heartfelt message is the finishing touch on great guest etiquette. Martha suggests that if you had an especially lovely time, express that in a brief note or email the next day. Mention specific details, like how much you enjoyed a particular dish or appreciated a gesture from the host, to make your thanks feel sincere and personal. You can purchase thank you cards here: Papier

With these tips, you can enjoy holiday gatherings with grace and leave a positive impression. After all, when you’re a thoughtful guest, you’re not just invited back; you’re invited warmly and with joy.