• Pack enough clothes for the likely weather, but bear in mind that apart from some morning or afternoon walks, you won’t be out and about much so won’t need to take more than one coat. We suggest, making sure you’ve got a couple of spare T-shirts and items of underwear as your hosts, though appearing to be obliging, may not appreciate your smalls soaking in the bathroom basin.
• If you are traveling by car, you are perfectly placed to order some beautiful flowering bulbs in advance to present to your hostess - many are grown so as to flower in time for Christmas. Cut flowers, though lovely, mean another vase needing maintenance over what is already a busy period for your hosts. Try Amaryllis or Cyclamen and scented Lily-of-the-Valley. Chrysathemums make for a good bright show whilst Hyacinths permeate rooms with a delicate floral scent.
• Arrive with an instantly consumable present. Wine is ideal in such circumstances. Take something good, a poor wine suggests that you don’t value your hosts or the invitation. You can never go wrong with a good Bordeaux - that classic combination of refined flavours and elegant packaging always works. A sensible investment would be to buy a mixed case or two of good wines, perhaps Tiscali Wine Club’s own Christmas Recommendation. Each will offer good wines at reasonable prices but with enough choice for you to pick a bottle or two for every occasion. Another good option is chocolates like the Double Layer Chocolate Gift Box, Chocolates By Post, and the Godiva Classic Ballotin unless you know your host is on a strict diet. (These would also make a nice thank you present after the event too)

Presents

• Be generous, but never over-the-top. The latter merely embarrasses other guests and puts undue pressure on your hosts.
• Choose presents from as many sources as possible, perhaps with a central theme in mind - a colour, a reference to your hosts’ favourite song, destination or activity or even something linked to presents that other guests are giving (this last probably works best with families where the kids can club together to get their parents an extra special treat, with each child buying a component of the whole).
• Excellent examples include - Gardening-related gifts, presents for hobbies or arts and crafts, outdoor pursuits, up-to-the-minute technology , gadgets, hand-held games or computer games are best. Avoid venturing into personal territory like clothes, scents or fashion accessories as these are a matter of personal preference.
• Spending less than £10 on your hosts is OK if you are a child spending pocket money, a student, or a person on a fixed or restricted income but quite unacceptable if you’re reasonably well off. People typically like to receive something of a quality and style that they may buy for themselves - in which case spending up to £30 or even £40 is acceptable (remember, they are putting you up for a few days and catering to your every need during that time).

Food and Drink

• Let the host know if you have any special requirements eg if you are vegetarian or are allergic to anything.
• Ask if the host/hostess would like you to bring anything. Christmas can be an expensive time so they may be glad of an offer to bring the Christmas crackers or a cheese board.
• Try not to be exasperating - if you are asked what you would like for breakfast from a series of options then reply with a definite answer rather than "anything is fine by me".
• Avoid giving sweets and chocolates directly to your host's children - it will be extremely exasperating for your host if you arrive in the morning hand out sweets and treats and then the children stuff themselves silly on chocolate and fail to eat their lunch or dinner.
• Eat and drink responsibly. Make sure you do not take too large a portion so there is enough for everyone, don't get drunk.

Do’s and Don’ts

• No good host will mind accommodating your needs, it’s finding out your particular requirements at the last minute when there is little they can do that would most frustrate them. Use your RSVP as a chance to forewarn them of your requirements, for example remind them that you are vegetarian, but try not to be too demanding - it will be a busy time for your hosts.
• Don’t arrive early but don’t arrive too late either - it disrupts proceedings and throws your hosts plans off course. If, for whatever reason, you are going to arrive late phone and let your hosts know.
• If there is a seating or accommodation plan, stick to it.
• Don't use the place like a hotel just coming in to sleep.
• Be appreciative - pay compliments to you host for their arrangements, tell them the guest room is lovely and praise the food.
• Make an effort. If there are other guests make sure you chat especially if there are other people you don't know. Help put them at their ease. You don't have to have rigorous intellectual conversation if you are stuck for conversation just asking them about the latest film they have seen or where they went on holiday or the old standbys about what they do for a living and where they live.
• Join in. Even if you hate Charades try not to be a party pooper
• Not so much an issue now in the time of mobile phones but if you need to make a call then ask permission.
• Don't overstay your welcome. Make sure you are clear how long you are invited for and don't hang around for longer than that - this applies both to drink or dinner parties as well as staying with friends or family.

Helping Out

• This is an absolute - always offer to do dishes, help with serving, pouring or tidying up and mean it. However, don't put away anything that you are not sure where it goes. You don't want to leave your hosts looking for the tin opener for weeks.
• Take the dog for a walk - it may give your hosts a break - offer to round up the kins and take them to the park.
• If everyone wants to go out for drinks prior to the main dinner, then ensure that the hostess is also invited by offering to help her out on return - many hands make light work.

Say thank you

• It is always appreciated if you send a handwritten note or card afterwards to say thank you and how much you enjoyed yourself.
• Send some flowers to say thank you. Your hosts won't be rushing around after the event and they will have time to put them in a vase and arrange them.