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Hosting for the Holidays: Your Bathroom Prep Checklist
Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or welcoming overnight guests, one area that often gets overlooked in preparation for the holiday season is the bathroom. And we think this is a pretty major oversight. With festive drinks like eggnog and mulled wine on the menu, chances are pretty good that every single one of your guests will visit your bathroom during the festivities. So, let’s make sure it’s up to guest standards, with our hosting for the holiday's bathroom prep checklist!
- Declutter Your Vanity: It’s always easier to start with a clean slate, so before you deck the halls, take a look at your bathroom vanity. Clear out any items your guests won’t need, toss expired one, organize your products, and neatly arrange extra toiletries (like toilet paper and towels). We’re aiming for cozy holiday vibes, not bunking at Grandma and Grandpa’s, so do your best to eliminate as much clutter as possible.
- Cleaning Blitz: With all of your clutter out of the way, it’s time to give your bathroom a thorough cleaning. Wipe down everything from the countertops to the mirrors. Don’t forget the shower and toilet too! For an extra festive touch, use cleaning products with holiday-inspired scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Now, the last thing you want your guests to be doing is snooping through cabinets and closets looking for an extra roll of toilet paper. And the absolute last thing they want to do is holler for an emergency roll. To avoid both, make sure you have a solid supply of bathroom essentials like toilet paper, tissues, and hand soap. Now, if you’re thinking “we’re family, I don’t mind”, just picture having to toss your father-in-law an extra roll. Feel like stocking your toilet caddy now? We thought you might.
- Guest Towels Galore: Towels are another bathroom essential. But using someone else’s old, tattered towels isn’t exactly the definition of comfort. So, while you’re out holiday shopping, pick up some fresh, fluffy towels and washcloths. Pro tip, if you pick up holiday-inspired towels, you won’t be tempted to use them throughout the year, so they’ll stay fresh for guests for many Christmases to come.
- Check the Plumbing: Nothing will put a damper on your holiday festivities quite like a plumbing mishap. But, if you rarely use your guest bathroom, you may be completely unaware that there’s a problem. So, before your guests arrive (and plumbers start charging their holiday rates), check for leaks (under the sink and around the toilet), unclog drains, and ensure everything is in working order. Trust us, this can be an absolute lifesaver!
- Create a Guest Bathroom Kit: If your guests are staying overnight, set up a little bathroom kit with commonly forgotten items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and spare razors. Even if you’re just hosting a dinner, creating a guest toiletry kit will ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected sleepovers with your family members who hit the eggnog a bit too hard. Bonus points for stocking your toiletry station with a few hangover essentials like pain relievers and water bottles.
- Festive Touches: With all the bathroom essentials sorted, it’s time to get festive! Infuse your bathroom with the holiday spirit by incorporating seasonal scented candles, flower arrangements (like poinsettias), or some festive twinkle lights. We also love the idea of playing a holiday Christmas playlist to keep the holiday cheer flowing from room to room.
- Final Check: Before your guests arrive, do a final walkthrough. You never know what your kids have been up to while you’ve been busy prepping in the kitchen. Flush toilets, give surfaces a final wipe and make sure all supplies are fully stocked. That’s it, you’re all done!
Hosting for the holidays always requires a bit of prep work and this checklist will ensure your bathroom is in tip-top shape. But don’t let holiday preparations distract you from the true meaning of Christmas. Remember, it’s about slowing down and spending quality time with the ones we love most. So, take a deep breath and enjoy it. Happy hosting!