Holiday Guests: Get Your Bathroom Ready! (Part I)

As I posted a few weeks ago, I am going to share a few posts this week on prepping your house for holiday guests.  Really, these are just things I do to make my guests feel more comfortable, based on my experiences (good and bad) visiting other people's homes.

I am starting this series with the bathroom.  I am fixated on the bathroom for some reason.  Probably because I always dread using the bathroom at other people's houses (if I've never been there before).  I'm super paranoid about it, actually, and do a full check to make sure I have everything I need before I commence my...business.

Is that weird?

Well, you know me, I'm always keeping it real.

Anyway, there are five main things that I believe are critical to a comfortable bathroom experience.  Some of these seem like no-brainers, but from my experience, not every bathroom has these items, which usually results in discomfort (or in my case, disaster).

#1 Hand Soap

You don't need anything fancy.  Go to the Grocery Outlet or the Target clearance aisle and grab something, even if you only put it out when guests come because you just use the soap in the shower to wash your hands after you use the bathroom.

#2  Hand Towels

There's nothing wrong with this, but a lot of people don't have separate towels just for drying hands on.  But as a guest, it's a little awkward to dry one's hands on a bath towel.  Especially if that bath towel has already been used.  So put out a few fresh hand towels (again, just hit Target or Wal-Mart).  Another option is putting out a roll of paper towels.  I've been to some parties where people have done this, and it's great!

#3  Extra Toilet Paper

I know I'm not the only one who has had that "sweet mercy, there's half a square left and now I have to rummage through the cabinets to find more TP" panic and emergency at other people's homes.  I suggest you set a roll on the back of the toilet, if you don't normally keep extra rolls in the bathroom.

For #2 and #3, I actually keep a basket next to the toilet that has these items in it for easy access, along with some reading material (namely, a physics book for children and a few magazines).  It's not fancy, as you can see, but it's practical and convenient.

#4 Air Freshener

Come on now, you know you've needed a little air freshener at other people's homes.  I actually make my own - it's easy.  I'll have a tutorial on that tomorrow.

#5 Plunger

Having a plunger readily accessible is a good idea. It's not pretty, but it doesn't have to be the focal point in the bathroom. The reality is that no one wants to be the person who clogs the toilet and then has to come out and ask the host to unclog it.  Trust me.

A few other hints - A garbage can is nice to have, especially for ladies who have items that need to be disposed of.  A lit candle is pleasant and cheerful.  A pretty plant says "welcome!"  Some hand lotion would be a welcome amenity.

What about you, readers?  Do you have any hints?