‘Tis the season for holiday entertaining, so thought I’d take a moment to give a rundown on how I prep one of the most important areas of my house for guests: the powder room. It just takes a moment, but checking the condition of the guest bathroom before the doorbell rings goes a long way in making sure everyone feels super welcome. Empty the trash, wipe down counters, and make sure there’s extra of everything: hand towels, tissues, soap and TP. Keep reading for my absolute prepping-the-powder-room essentials…
Luxurious soap is a must; bonus points if it’s in a glass bottle. I stock up on Compagnie de Provence soaps, especially in Orange Blossom (shown), Fig and Wild Rose. Something that makes the bathroom smell wonderful is also great - sometimes I burn candles, but I love the way that reed diffusers radiate the scent throughout the room at all times. For maximum fragrance diffusion, turn the bamboo reeds once every couple of days. And especially when guests are coming, a few blooms or a pretty plant placed near the sink scores major points.
I love using these super thick disposable guest towels instead of cloth. It may not be the most eco-friendly, but let’s be honest…when there are lots of people coming & going out of the bathroom, it’s nice to know you’re the only person who used that towel, no? I pick up these Better Than Linen guest towels at Bed Bath & Beyond.
This is kind of a no-brainer, but stashing several extra rolls of toilet paper in a convenient location is an absolute must. As the host, restocking the bathroom is the last thing you should be worrying about during a party, so you’ll be really glad you took care of this essential beforehand. So… that’s the drill at my house…I’d love to hear any tips that y’all have for readying your house for holiday guests!
*images: hayden spears
You make a great point about the disposable hand towels. I do believe I will pick some of those up. I too use a diffuser and I also burn an unscented candle just because I like the way it looks next to fresh flowers. I am a bit of a fanatic about having a spotless guest bath when we entertain.
Amy R.
Cute post Camille! Simple and cute way to get ready for guests during the holidays. In the evening I love to have a nice scented candle in their also, adds a little pretty glow:)
I’m a major scent fanatic, but I haven’t paid much attention to super lux scented bath items such as the diffusers. Where’s a good place to get those?
I shopped at Bath and Body Works for scented candles and soap/dispensors and I’m happy with those. Some of their candles burn with a nice fragrance. Not very lux I know…..
I too love the idea of disposable towels for parties. Excellent! I’m off to buy some too!
I have two favorite sources for reed diffusers that REALLY disperse a lot of scent:
High end: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/antica-farmacista-water-home-ambiance-perfume/3013550?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1273
Low end: http://www.target.com/p/Pure-and-Natural-White-Peach-Bergamot-Reed-Diffuser/-/A-13679252
Good luck!
I love Pier 1′s. Theirs last a long time and for my one bedroom, they really fill the area. My fav: orange vanilla diffuser
Great post! A couple of years ago we went to visit my husband’s aunt, and I remember thinking how AMAZING her guest bathroom was. Just amazing. It felt like we were in a hotel! They absolutely had the disposable hand towels and luxe soap. Now I’m constantly thinking about how I can revamp our guest bathroom, and your handy tips have made it sound so simple! Thanks!
One tip I have: lotion. I have very dry skin, so after washing my hands I need it. I like to leave lotion next to the soap!
Good one – maybe that would help me put lotion on my hands more often – a habit I seriously neglect!
Great post! I love that you shared your source for the paper towels. Heading to BB&B asap!
Thank you Camille for spotlighting a much overlooked area during parties. I agree that the disposable paper towels are a must, especially during cold season
Love the ideas. Where is the bamboo try from?
Thanks! The tray is from Crate & Barrel.
Thanks! I just bought a reed diffuser. How long do they typically last?
Such a pretty powder room!!! Stealing some of your secrets!!
I LOVE the White Peach and bergamot scent but my target doesn’t carry it and it’s not online……WHERE can i get it????? I’ve been searching for it for weeks now…