Mr. Manners,
I'm a Grade 9 student. My Australian pen pal is coming to Beijing next week. I invited him for dinner at my home, and he accepted. What should I do to make him feel welcome? How can I be a good host?
Li Ming
Dear Li Ming，
A good host always tries to make guests feel welcome. Here are some tips for you.
Tidy up your house before your guest arrives.
Open the door for your guest and hang up his coat. It will make him feel welcome.
Offer your guest something to drink or eat like tea, fruit and snacks.
Don't ask your guest to go to the kitchen and serve himself! Serve your guest at the table.
Make him feel at home. Talk to your guest. That's why you invited him.
Don't turn on the television. It's OK in China, but it's considered rude in Western cultures.
Mr. Manners
Mr. Manners,
I'm a student visiting Russia. I'm going to stay for three months. One of my classmates invited me to stay overnight at her house. It will be my first time visiting a Russian house. What should I do to be a polite guest?
Dong Fang
Dear Dong Fang,
Here are some small suggestions for you.
Bring a small gift, such as sweets or flowers.
Follow the rules of your host's home.
Do what your host asks you to do.
Don't be noisy, especially at bedtime.
Offer to help prepare the dinner.
Write a thank-you note after your visit.
Visiting a local family is a great way to experience another culture. Remember to be yourself and have fun.
Mr. Manners