3 Home Etiquette Rules from the 1950s You Should Absolutely Still Be Following

The midcentury era has carried over a few polite practices into our present-day routines, offering us easygoing wisdom and lasting insight on modern-day hospitality. But are these traditions truly valuable, or just outdated formalities? We turned to home etiquette experts to get the full picture.

1. Hospitality Is Key

According to Sally Schwartz, founder of the Randolph Street Market, the most important rule is that guests always feel welcome in your home. "A warm, gracious, stylish home where hospitality is key and guests feel welcome," she says.

To reflect this spirit into your space, Schwartz shares a few of her favorite styling ideas. She suggests using playing cards, games, and stacks of magazines as decor that can also be picked up and played with or read. Small touches like custom notepads, matchbooks from your travels, framed recipes, or throws draped on both ends of your sofa can spark conversation, helping your guests feel at ease while decorating your spaces and telling the story of who you are.

Have fun with the styling process and train yourself to see the design potential in even the smallest surfaces. Because while entertaining staples like conversation-worthy barware, serving carts, fresh flowers, and festive plates will always support a hospitable environment, Schwartz says it’s often the everyday, meaningful objects that make a house feel like home. “Decorating trends go through cycles, but etiquette reflects the customs and traditions of a household and speaks volumes about the people who live there," she says.

2. Make Guests Feel Comfortable

Michael Mitchell, principal and founder of Michael Mitchell design firm, agrees. "While the formality of traditional entertaining has shifted, the intent remains the same: to make guests feel considered and cared for," he says. "Simple gestures like having a clean, thoughtfully arranged entryway, fresh flowers, and a designated space for guests to gather [still matter]."

Mitchell says this rule is all about creating a thoughtful foundation before anyone rings the doorbell. He emphasizes the importance of prepping your home—not just visually, but emotionally, too. (Reminder: it doesn't have to be perfect!) Instead, your space should feel intentional and respectful of your guests, Mitchell says. You can do this with thoughtful seating arrangements that encourage conversation, lighting that sets the appropriate tone, or a casual flow that makes guests feel at ease.

"These are all echoes of past etiquette principles adapted for contemporary life," Mitchell explains. "There's a timeless lesson in making people feel seen and comfortable, and design plays a key role in that."

3. Make Houseguests Feel Comfortable

“Simple gestures like offering a drink, tidying up before guests arrive, or sending a thank-you note remain meaningful,” adds Brad Ramsey, designer and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Fresh flowers, a welcoming scent, and thoughtful details also go a long way in creating a warm environment."

So while we don't need to revive every old habit, Ramsey says the spirit of hospitality is here to stay. Making others feel comfortable and considered is an etiquette rule always worth preserving, he says.

So the next time you’re adding personal touches to your home, embracing the art of preparation—always with visitors in mind. Set out extra throw blankets, stack freshly laundered towels in a basket, and place a tray of water and glasses in the guest room. Think through what feels right for your space—because even the smallest gestures can go a long way toward making houseguests feel comfortable. "The relationship between etiquette and home design has always been closely intertwined,” Ramsey adds, explaining that you can feel true hospitality just as much as you can see it.