Turning My Bathroom Into a Guest-Pleasing Oasis

I’ll admit it – when it comes to hosting guests, the bathroom is not always at the top of my mind. I tend to focus on making the main living areas look inviting and comfortable. But after a few awkward encounters with guests who were left feeling less than fresh, I realized the bathroom deserves just as much attention.

The Great Washcloth Conundrum

It all started with the washcloth dilemma. You know the one – you carefully lay out a plush bath sheet, a soft hand towel, and a pristine washcloth, only to find the washcloth remains untouched when your guests depart. [1] I would dutifully fold that unused washcloth, racked with guilt, convinced my guests thought I was a neglectful host. One time, I even confessed this quirk to a particularly bemused hostess. “Well then what are you doing with the soap?!” she hissed, horrified.

That’s when it dawned on me – guests don’t necessarily want to use my personal washcloth. They want their own clean, hygienic way to interface with the soap. Suddenly, the purpose of that guest washcloth became clear – it was there to keep my dirt from mingling with the soap’s cleanliness. I had been approaching guest bathroom etiquette all wrong. No more crusty, communal washcloths – liquid soap was the answer. [1]

Finding the Right Products

With that revelation, I set out to transform my guest bathroom into a relaxing, well-appointed space. First up, the soap situation. No more little hotel samples – I wanted a substantial, luxurious liquid soap that would make my visitors feel pampered. After some research, I landed on a local artisanal brand that offered a variety of soothing scents. [2]

But the soap was just the beginning. I also stocked up on fluffy white towels, plush bathrobes, and a selection of high-quality toiletries. You know, the kind of stuff you’d find at a fancy spa. I even splurged on a sleek shower caddy to neatly display it all. [7]

Creating an Inviting Ambiance

With the practical items covered, I turned my attention to the overall ambiance. Mood lighting is key for creating a relaxing vibe, so I installed some dimmable sconces and a skylight to let in natural light. [6] And no guest bathroom is complete without a little greenery, so I added a potted plant and some fresh eucalyptus sprigs.

To tie it all together, I chose a calming palette of soft blues and greens, with accents of brass and wood. The result is a spa-like oasis that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. [3,4,5]

Making Guests Feel at Home

Of course, no guest bathroom is truly complete without a few personal touches. I like to leave a handwritten note welcoming my visitors and letting them know where to find extra towels or toiletries. And to make sure they feel at home, I always point out the location of the bathroom and any special features, like the luxurious rain shower head. [2]

The final step? Making sure my guests know they’re free to indulge. I leave a little note encouraging them to take their time and really relax. After all, what’s the point of creating a beautiful, serene space if no one gets to enjoy it?

So there you have it – my formula for turning a simple bathroom into a guest-pleasing sanctuary. With the right products, ambiance, and personal touches, I’ve transformed what was once an afterthought into one of the most inviting spaces in my home. Now, when my guests visit, I can’t wait for them to discover my hidden oasis.

[1] Slate (2013). Slate’s Entertaining Rules: Provide Guests Liquid Soap in the Bathroom.
[2] Green Door Hospitality (2012). Hospitality Entertaining Tip: Make Your Bathroom Guest-Ready.
[3] Entertaining Life (2009). Guest Post: Alexis’ Blushing Bride Bridal Shower.
[4] Elizabeth Burns Design (2016). Budget Wedding Shower Entertaining.
[5] The Savvy Bostonian (2012). Easy Entertaining: Hosting an Elegant At-Home Bridal Shower.
[6] Entertain Idea (2017). Hosting a Summer Camp Themed Baby Shower.
[7] Parachute Home (2022). Guest Bathroom Essentials.