One of the worst things about travelling is forgetting your toothbrush and feeling like scattered hot mess in the bathroom — which makes it super important to properly stock your own guest bathroom so friends and family feel comfortable when they’re visiting you.
If you’re a good hostess, you’ll have the guest bath ready with everything a visitor might want — but if you’re a really good hostess, you’ll have a few luxurious things stuck in there that they didn’t even know they needed.
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Start with a squeaky clean room, clear of clutter and personal items, then add these supplies.
1. Toiletries
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Stock the vanity with anything short- or long-term guests might need. Include cotton balls, cotton swabs, toothpaste, toothbrushes (store them in their packages), face and body lotion, shampoo and conditioner, new razors, shaving cream and feminine products. Set out a nice-smelling hand soap for an extra touch.
2. Medicine
You never know when a headache or allergy attack might strike, and guests may be hesitant to ask for meds. Keep aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, heartburn meds and bandages in the medicine cabinet where your guests can easily find them.
3. Towels
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Put the threadbare stuff in your bathroom and set the good stuff aside for your guests. Get thick, luxurious towels and place them where your guests can find them easily. If you’re hosting a party, remember to switch out the hand towels frequently so no one has to dry their hands on a damp towel.
4. Special extras
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Give your guests a spa-like experience with loofahs, bath brushes, a pumice stone, bath oils and sweet-smelling soap for bubble baths.
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5. New decor
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Don’t give your guests a dingy room with a faded shower curtain and mismatched rugs. Pick out a stylish new curtain, and get a matching bathmat and rugs that will feel good between guests’ toes.
6. Trash can
The only thing worse than hunting for a trash can in someone else’s bathroom is walking out of someone’s bathroom carrying your trash because you didn’t find a trash can. Put one in clear sight for your guests, and line it with a trash bag for easy and frequent changes.
7. Hamper
Guests never know what to do with their towels after a shower. If you have room, set out a hamper or a basket to put the wondering to rest.
8. Something that smells nice
When your guests walk into your bathroom, they should immediately feel relaxed. Set the mood with a great scent using a candle, plug-in air freshener, wax warmer or reed diffusers.
9. Flowers
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Everyone likes fresh flowers. Put a small vase or pot of flowers on a candle or windowsill to brighten the room.
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Before you go, check out our slideshow below.
Originally published March 2015. Updated February 2017.
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