One in four Brits are so frightened of unexpected guests they hide when the doorbell rings

One in four Brits are so frightened of unexpected guests they hide when the doorbell rings Millions of Brits physically hide rather than answer the door to unexpected guests - and Gen Z are the biggest culprits. New research has revealed that one in four duck out of sight when friends or family turn up unannounced, rising to 30% of young adults. Top reasons for hiding from the doorbell include being embarrassed by snack options (56%) and worrying about brewing a decent cup of tea (23%), according to the survey by Tesco and Uber Eats. Meanwhile, 21% confess they’ve served guests expired milk or stale biscuits (26%) and hope they won’t notice. Tesco and Uber Eats have teamed up with etiquette expert William Hanson to launch Doorbell Drops, a range of half-price hosting essentials delivered to the door in minutes. “Hosting with elegance shouldn't require days of preparation,” Hanson said, “The secret to last-minute hospitality isn't slaving over a stove; it's seamlessly curating a nonchalant vibe to echo that of your drop-in visitors. “Tapping into Uber Eats to get a fresh spread of Tesco Finest products delivered before your guest has even taken off their coat is the ultimate power move for a modern host.” Products available through the service include PG Tips Original Black Tea Bags, McVitie's Digestives Milk Chocolate Biscuits, Tesco Finest All Butter Sultana Scones, and Jacob's Original Cream Crackers. Merve Basci, Uber Eats UK general manager, said: "Unannounced visits used to be a staple of British social and community life, but the fear of being unprepared and judged for stale biscuits is driving many to hide rather than host. “Whether it’s dodging in-laws or frantically scouring the fridge for something edible to serve, our new partnership with Tesco can help people ditch the ‘doorbell dread’, so that young people especially can relax and enter their hosting era with more confidence." The Uber Eats and Tesco Doorbell Drop range will be available at half-price on the Uber Eats app until September 20. Suzanne Quinn, Tesco customer director, said: “We’re always looking for little helps that make life easier for customers, and expanding our rapid delivery service through our Uber Eats partnership is another way we’re helping the nation get what they need, when they need it. “The Doorbell Deals range has been created for those moments when plans change or guests arrive at short notice, giving customers quick access to fresh food, drink, and hosting essentials, so they can conveniently pull together a delicious spread in minutes.” William Hanson’s last-minute hosting hacks Tactically divert your guests' attention: If a surprise drop-in leaves your living area looking less like a home and more like a pig pen, please ensure you do not profusely apologise. A good host never draws attention to their own shortcomings. Instead, swiftly direct your uninvited guests to a comfortable armchair, pour them a drink, and keep the lighting softly dimmed. Candlelight is wonderfully forgiving of unvacuumed rugs and unmade cushions. Stock the emergency larder in a pinch: Panic-hosting requires swift execution, not a panicked dash to a crowded supermarket. If your fridge is currently housing a half empty jar of chutney and a single lime, open the Uber Eats app and tap through to the Tesco hub page. Order from the Doorbell Drops page, stocked with Tesco essentials - crisps, olives, tea and quality biscuits - and delivered straight to your door. Transfer everything onto proper china serving dishes before your guests even notice the doorbell ring. Packaging is for the pantry, not the parlour. Master the illusion of preparation: Never let guests see you sweat over a kitchen stove. For last minute visitors, elaborate hot meals are an absolute faux pas - they force you to spend the entire time away from the conversation. Serve ambient, high quality nibbles on elevated platters, or present a well curated charcuterie board. A guest should feel catered to, not like an inconvenience you are actively labouring over. Keep the conversation moving: The hallmark of exceptional hosting isn't a flawless home; it's making your guests feel utterly at ease. The moment they arrive, place a glass in their hand (always offer a sophisticated non-alcoholic option alongside wine or spirits). As the host, your primary duty is to steer the conversation away from awkward lulls, manage the room’s energy, and ensure no glass remains empty for longer than a couple of minutes. Have an elegant ending cue: A gracious host knows how to welcome guests, but a masterful host knows how to usher them out when the evening has run its course. When you are ready to reclaim your evening, do not stand up and awkwardly stretch. Simply offer one final round of water or tea, or ask with polite concern: "Do you have a particularly early start tomorrow?" It is the universal, civilised code for: it is time to put your coat on.