Yay!  Someone invited you into his or her home! How lucky you are! Here are some of my best Elf tips for being a good guest:

• Offer to help out. If you get no for an answer, accept that. Don't keep badgering. Sometimes, extra folks in the kitchen just make things more difficult.

• Keep your living space neat and your things out of common areas. Your suitcase does not make attractive holiday decor.
• Do bring or send a small gift. Always write a thank you note (not a text or an email) when you get home.
• If you are staying for a few days. Take your hosts to dinner or offer to prepare dinner for them.
• Similarly, don’t expect your hosts to entertain you every hour of every day. You’re a grownup. Google things to do in the area and do some. Bonus points if you take their kids with you and give mom and dad some alone time.
• Never bring food to a dinner or party that you expect to have served (unless you were asked to bring it). It's fine to bring a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates for your host, but don't expect that it will find its way to the table. Most hosts have planned the menu to balance flavors and your contribution isn't part of it. And never bring an unasked-for something that requires refrigerator or stove space which are at a premium during the holidays. (Of course, there’s an exception for things needed for health and babies.)
• Tell your hosts if you have a food allergy. No one wants to interrupt a lovely dinner party with a call to 911. Note: I hate Brussels sprouts is not a food allergy.
• Don't bring an extra guest without asking — and only ask if you know the host well.
• Go into a party or visit prepared to have a great time! It's amazing how much of a difference a good attitude make.