Oof, the t-word. It’s a funny one, this; smacks of Edwardian shooting weekends. Leaving a note tucked coyly under the lamp on the bedside table? What is this, 1911? Still, tipping is greatly appreciated and good manners if you’re going to stay with friends this summer, especially friends who may have cleaners, gardeners, a pool man, a cook, a long-suffering nanny who’s been dumped with your own children as well as your friend’s all week, and so on and so on.

The best way to go about this is simply to ask your friend. Be upfront. Obviously some of us would obviously rather fart in public than discuss money, but every now and then it’s unavoidable. Sorry.

‘What should I leave in the way of tips?’ is an easy enough sentence to get out a few days before leaving, and your host will likely be

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