Doug Wallace is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer and editor-publisher of TravelRight.Today. He is a consummate entertainer and social convener with strong opinions — and razor-sharp common sense. Ask your lifestyle etiquette questions at [email protected].
“Don’t come calling with your hands by your sides,” my grandmother used to say. There are multiple ways to be a good houseguest and ingratiate yourself to your cottage hosts, but it really boils down to: bring supplies and help out. Let’s break it down.
BYO drinks
Load the cooler with at least as many alcoholic beverages as you yourself will drink, and then some. I always bring extra wine, and it always gets opened. Throw in an unexpected spirit like brandy for the fire, grappa for after-dinner arguments or absinthe for good measure. Ready-to-drink cocktails will also be welcome, particularly on the dock.
Cook at least one meal
Make dinner for everyone one night and perhaps a lunch, too. As your environment is rustic, simple suppers will do — adopt a pasta-and-salad, meat-and-potatoes sensibility. I also like to pack breakfast staples I know will come in handy, such as bread, eggs, bacon, cheddar and yogurt. Send the hosts a list of the food you’d like to bring ahead of time, so there’s no doubling up.
If you can’t cook, bring a ready-made entrée from a higher-end grocer, such as a large tortière, stuffed cabbage rolls, a tray of lasagna or a vat of butter chicken. You could also treat everyone to a meal at a nearby roadhouse or the pub in town.
Stock the supplies
I always bring a bundle of paper towels, napkins or bathroom tissue — staples that continually need replenishing. I’ve also tucked dishwasher pods under my arm. Bring your own bath and beach towels, and offer to bring bed linens or sleeping bags to save your hosts a ton of laundry.
Help clean up
Cottaging can create quite a mess, as you lurch from one meal to the next. Stay conscious of the table-bussing and kitchen-counter cleanup required throughout your stay. You can easily run the vacuum (while no one is napping), sweep the sunroom or deal with the garbage bin without being asked.
Find something to do
Cottage hosts like guests who know how to keep themselves busy and don’t have to be entertained every minute of the day. Go for a walk or a swim!
Bring an actual present
Just as you would never go to someone’s home without a hostess present, don’t go to the cottage without a small gift, like tea towels, gourmet preserves or flowers. Get creative and specific with records for the old turntable or a vintage board game for cool evenings and you will be a shoo-in invite come next time.
