Hey so i´m an english lady staying with a turkish family for a few days in turkey. and basically im being thrown in the deep end and need some advice on what to do and say etc...

any turkish sayings with the meanings in english is welcomed

I am awful in the kitchen, and don´t know that much turkish. HELP! 

Any tips on how to impress will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks  

Here are some starters, some you will hopefully already know

When welcomed by your host family with ´hoş geldiniz´, respond with the standard response

hoş bulduk

Learn to say your name when asked, or to introduce yourself

adım Charlie

Learn what to say when asked nasılsınız? (how are you?)

iyiyim teşekkürler (I´m fine thanks)

and respond ya siz? (and you?)

Normally Turks and their guests take off their shoes before entering someone´s home, and you will be offered terlik (house slippers) to wear

Learn to say the normal daily greetings

günaydın good morning

iyi günler good day

iyi akşamlar good evening

iyi geceler good night

Learn to say please and thanks

lütfen please

teşekkürler, teşekkür ederim, or sağ ol thanks

Don´t forget to come with a small gift for your hosts.

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great on all of it Henry, however I can imagine the stress when looking at the last thing....

Might I suggest a food stuff regional to the place they are coming from. Of course, anything from pig, or alcohol might not be a great idea as many Turks do not eat pork, or imbibe. Even if one did bring an alcoholic beverage, it wouldn´t be enjoyed by the whole family, only the men in most cases. 

Here where I am I often bring See´s chocolates, or sour dough bread when visiting other places. 

when i went to stay with my boyfriends family (also thrown in at the deep end!) it really wasnt as bad and terrifying as i expected it to be. they all greet you with open arms- be prepared to eat and drink lots though haha. when i was leaving i wanted to buy a little something to say thanks so got the children a bracelet each and for his mum, a small plaque which had some islamic words on (i believe it was part of a prayer/what they say before they eat). she absolutely loved it- i think its the thought that counts more than anything but im sure they will appreciate any gift! good luck!

Thank you so very much for the advice guys! It has helped me so much!

I was wondering... when greeting them should i kiss the hand and forehead thing rather than the standard kissing cheeks or is this over the top?

And yes, there is a 2 year old baby girl, father and mother in the family so I shall have a good think on some gifts. I was thinking maybe a small bottle of perfume for the mother, maybe some biscuits for the father (i was going to get chocolates from england but im guessing they would melt in the heat travelling?) and perhaps a little doll for the baby girl.

I think that depends on their lifestyle. Mostly, you will see many Turkish people who are glad to see that young people show their respect by kissing hands of old ones.

On the other hand, there are also people who don´t like that or who don´t live like that you imagined. I also know some people that won´t be happy to be kissed their hand by a foreigner/stranger (or sometimes if it is a woman, maybe won´t like to be kissed by a man or his husband would be a bit angry etc) even though they like to be seen the respect by Turks or some of them by muslims etc.

The second paragraph is not majority, by the way. So you should ask this question to a person who knows them and you feel closer.

My personal idea is that you should be as you are. You don´t have to behave as if you were a Turkish person (kissing hands of old people etc)

Ah i see. Thank you  

Hopefully being myself will be good enough, i just worry because of the cultural differences I don´t want to come across disrespectful or anything. 

Dont be so worried, honestly! İ was so nervous but it really isnt that bad.

When i went, the mum greeted me first and gave me a hug and a kiss on each cheek. The father did the same as well. When i met the nan though, she put her hand out for me to kiss and then put on my forehead (i think this is just respect for elders). But they really do treat you like one of the family so relax! 

Ps you mightwant to learn turkish for ´ive had enough´ or ´im full´!!!! Enjoyyy

Yes you should better learn but it doesnt make sense for Turkish mothers.

Buy the new doll, Barbie @ age 45

At that age she is already divorced, so you get Ken´s house and sports car free of charge.