The burden of holiday gatherings usually falls on the host, but guests should pull their weight. As you accept party invites this season, remember to be a great guest. It's the best way to ensure you get invited back.

RSVP Promptly

When you receive an invitation, note the respond-by date. Check your calendar as soon as possible and get back to the host promptly with a definite yes or no. Don’t toss the invite in the huge pile of stuff on your desk, and don’t give the host a “maybe.”

Get the Details

When you RSVP or shortly thereafter, ask questions and offer any specifics the host should know. When exactly should you arrive? Where should you park? Be sure to tell the host if there are any dietary restrictions.

Ask What You Can Bring

Putting on a dinner party or an appetizer gathering or hosting overnight guests is a lot of work. Showing up empty-handed is not cool. Ask your host what you can bring. Maybe they'd love to have your famous guacamole on the buffet table.

Bring Something Anyway

If the host has a tightly orchestrated menu and a side dish wouldn’t make sense, bring something else, like beverages or flowers. If you’re an overnight guest, maybe bring a board game that everyone can enjoy together, and leave it for the hosts when you go home.

Be Attentive

As a guest, be present. Put your phone away and leave your work behind. Be a part of the conversation and participate in all the planned activities. Most importantly, make sure to help with cleaning when it's appropriate.

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

When it’s clear the party’s over, don’t linger. No, the host likely doesn’t want extra one-on-one time with you; they're tired and want to clean up and go to bed. Make sure you read the room and head home when it's time to go.

Send a Thank You

After the party or the visit, send a thank you. This can be as simple as a text or an email. Or you could go all out and send flowers or something else more elaborate. The important thing is to acknowledge the effort, kindness and love that went into hosting you.