So you’ve arrived and maybe you feel the other side didn’t get the best impression during your last visit, or perhaps this is your first time with the new family. Don’t fret, I've got 10 tips to make your holiday visit one that won’t be left to negative interpretation.

1. Keep your host informed of your arrival. Let your host know what time you plan to arrive and when you intend to leave. If you are traveling by air, be prepared to pay for a taxi to get to your destination, rather than assuming your host will pick you up in rush hour, holiday traffic.

2. Don’t arrive empty handed. Put some thought in to your gift selection. The gift does not have to be expensive—just thoughtful. A nice box of stationary, a pretty frame or a mildly-scented candle are all good choices.

3. Don’t expect constant entertainment. Remember that your host may still have to work, attend their child’s holiday programs, plus maintain their own personal schedule—so plan for "down time." You may want to pick up a tourism book, rent a car and plan a few activities to do on your own. Giving your host a holiday break is a gracious gesture.

4. Be cautious of boundaries. Avoid long, hot showers or staying on their personal computer for an extended period of time. Remember that you are not staying at a hotel.

5. Offer to pitch in with the household chores. If your host makes dinner, help clear the table or offer to help with the dishes—even though they may say they don’t need help—they will appreciate the offer.

6. Go with the flow. If your host is a "meat and potatoes" kind of family, don’t insist that they offer a lighter alternative for you. If they are early risers, make an effort to be one also. Don’t expect them to change their behavior in their own home—you do the accommodating.

7. Keep your opinions to yourself. Never discipline the host’s pets or children.

8. Keep an eye on your own child. Go over basic rules of behavior with your child before making the trip. Let them know what is expected and what will not be tolerated. Never expect your host or their teen to baby-sit your child.

9. Don’t over stay your welcome. Stay exactly as long as originally planned. If you weren’t able to do all of the things that you wanted to, don’t "tack on" an extra few days to your visit at the last moment.

10. The final goodbye. Always write a thank-you note within 48 hours after your departure. Include something that you particularly enjoyed about the visit. A nice touch would be to send a box of fruit or a gift basket with the thank you note attached.

Diane Gottsman, founder and director of The Protocol School of Texas, customizes protocol and etiquette programs for corporations, universities, non-profit organizations and individuals simply looking to fine-tune their skills. For more information visit www.protocolschooloftexas.com.