Fashion, interiors, even dinner party playlists - they all shift with the seasons. But good manners? That never goes out of style. There’s something quietly beautiful about people who show up, help out, and make everything feel that little bit easier.

As the season of dinners, long lunches and late evenings begins, we asked the Bondi Wash team what makes a great guest - the kind everyone remembers fondly (and always gets invited back).

1. COMMIT

Let's start from the start. A good guest commits.

Flakiness seems to have become more socially acceptable these days - plans made, cancelled, half-heartedly rebooked. But there’s something genuinely lovely about someone who follows through. The kind of person who replies quickly, arrives on time and brings energy.

If there’s a theme, lean in. Wear the costume. Bring the dish. Join the game. Enthusiasm doesn’t have to be loud — it just means being present, engaged, and up for it. A guest who’s genuinely there can shift the whole energy of a room.

2. BRING A LITTLE SOMETHING

Plain and simple, don't show up empty-handed. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. A bottle of wine, a cheese, something you baked, or a small token for their home, like a Hand Wash - thoughtful gestures that say, thanks for inviting me in.

Strictly speaking, the gift is for the host, not for the table - so there’s no obligation for them to share your offering.

3. OFFER TO HELP

Don't wait to be asked. Pour a drink, light a candle, clear a plate. Small gestures that are remembered. And if you’re the one who picks up the Bench Spray after dinner, you’re basically the unsung hero of the evening.

4. STEP IN AND FILL THE GAPS

We all notice the guest who helps people feel at ease. Make conversation with the person standing alone. Introduce friends who haven’t met. Ask questions, draw others in, bridge small gaps.

It’s not natural to everyone, but it only takes a simple introduction to shift the mood - and it takes pressure off the host, who’s often juggling plates (literally). Being the connector is one of the kindest things you can do in a room.

5. BE EASY

Ease is elegance. Skip the overcomplications - try to avoid last-minute dietary updates or playlist takeovers. The best guests bring warmth, curiosity and flexibility - the kind of presence that makes a night flow.

6. BE GRACIOUS

Hosting always looks effortless, but it rarely is. Show your appreciation, compliment the food, decor... simple but effective.

And just as importantly, send the follow-up note. There’s something charming about it - the sort of thing our grandparents never skipped. They knew the power of a follow-up, of taking the time to say, thank you, that was special. A simple thank you text often means more than you think.

7. KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE

There’s an unspoken grace in leaving at the right time. Sense the energy - has the conversation thinned out, the lights softened, or is the host starting to stack plates? That’s probably your cue.

Slip out while the night still feels alive. A graceful exit keeps the energy high and avoids overstaying your welcome.