The biggest pet peeves Brits experience when hosting have been revealed – from guests arriving too late or early to people not giving a heads up about allergies or droning on about kids’ achievements
With the summer feeling like its upon us, many people will be planning parties and gatherings, particularly with the upcoming bank holiday weekend. But, while we may love throwing a great garden party, having loved ones round for a BBQ or just enjoying a drink with friends in the evening sunshine, sometimes we don’t love our guests quite so much.
61% of Brits are getting ready to open their doors to family and friends this bank holiday weekend, and new research has revealed the pet peeves that will dampen even the most sunny of gatherings. The biggest social faux pas that irked Brits were arriving too late or too early, not mentioning allergies or dietary requirements in advance, leaving the bathroom light on and droning on about children’s achievements.
Other ways to get your host’s hackles up include having your phone at the table, not bringing a bottle but drinking other people’s drinks, and unwelcome intruders in the kitchen. The survey, commissioned by British Gas, shows just how house-proud us Brits really are.
Behind every great gathering is a flurry of preparation – 78% vacuum the entire house, while 21% iron tablecloths and many even tinker with the thermostat or fan to get the temperature to guests just right. And it’s not just indoors where we have an eye for minute detail.
When it comes to our outdoor spaces, 55% tidy the garden, 43% cut the grass, and 15% go to the extra mile with a pressure wash to really make things gleam. While we love having people round, the research also found that Brits think the price of having guests over has increased.
95% believe the price of hosting during the summer has soared, with 79% looking for ways to try and cut costs. The favourite ways to save include picking wallet-friendly food options like hot dogs (37%), asking guests to bring their own drinks (29%) and 7% even ask for financial contributions.
Brits looking to save on their energy bills have said they are switching to an air fryer rather than using an oven (43%), cooking during off-peak hours (17%) and turning off unused devices (45%). British Gas is helping out this bank holiday weekend offering two consecutive days of half price electricity to celebrate reaching one million PeakSave customers.
The offer runs from 11am to 4pm on Sunday and Monday, helping people enjoy their get-togethers at home, without the added cost, you can learn more here. And if you aspire to be the perfect host, etiquette expert Jo Bryant says the key is organisation, prepping ahead and making sure you relax.
“The best gatherings strike the right balance between thoughtful planning and relaxed fun,” she added. “And that includes making practical, energy-saving choices behind the scenes. Guests notice the effort you make – whether it’s setting a lovely table or just having a tidy kitchen. But good etiquette goes both ways. Guests should arrive on time, join in and be social, not hog any ‘sharing food’, and always offer to help.”
Her top tips include writing a list of tasks for your gathering and planning as much ahead as possible. Starters and side dishes that can be served cold can be made in advance while dishes that require similar cooking times and temperatures make prep easier and more energy efficient.
Jo also recommends asking close friends to bring a dessert, a bottle or some nibbles to keep your costs and workload down and to keep people out of the kitchen if at all possible. And if you’re hosting on Monday, then you can make the most of PeakSave hours on Sunday to clean and tidy the house and garden.
Catherine O’Kelly, managing director of British Gas Energy, said: “Whether our customers want to mow the lawn or cook a family feast, they can rely on us to help them enjoy the long weekend for less. We’re proud to have already helped one million PeakSave customers save money by shifting their energy usage and hope that this Bank Holiday, even more can entertain at home without worrying about the extra cost.”
Brits’ top 20 hosting pet peeves:
- Guests being late
- Guests arriving early
- Guests who won’t leave
- Not being told about allergies
- House being messy
- People who tell long-winded stories that enver get to the point
- Talking about politics
- The cost of buying everything
- Parents bragging about their children’s achievements
- People answering ‘business calls’ at the table
- Guests not taking their shoes off
- Phones at the table
- Not being told about intolerances
- Guests who don’t bring a bottle but drink off yours
- Managing all the cooking timings
- Your garden being messy
- Children acting up because they are bored
- Guests messing with the table plan
- People hovering in the kitchen
- The BBQ taking ages to heat up
