Ripples radar: Holiday hosting hacks

 

The festive season is upon us and if you’re hosting family and friends this Christmas, you want your home to look its best. While the living room and kitchen often steal the spotlight, the bathroom is one of the most important spaces to consider. A clean, welcoming and well-designed bathroom can elevate your guests' experience and ensure they're comfortable throughout the festivities. Whether you have a spacious ensuite or a compact guest bathroom, these top tips will help you get your bathroom ready for holiday guests.

 

1 | De-clutter in advance

Christmas can bring a lot of extra products into your home, especially in to your bathroom. A cluttered bathroom can feel chaotic and cramped, so take the time to de-clutter the space before the toiletry gift sets are unwrapped!

  • Clear countertops: Store away any excess toiletries, makeup and personal items. This opens up the space and makes it easier for guests to use the bathroom without feeling cramped

  • Organise drawers and cabinets: If your bathroom is overflowing with products, take the time to re-organise and make room for essentials that your guests might need, like extra toothpaste, hand soap and clean towels

 

2

| Consider adding seasonal touches

It’s tempting to go all-out with Christmas decorations but a bathroom is a small space and too much décor can quickly feel overwhelming. Instead, consider choosing a few elegant seasonal touches that will make the room feel festive while maintaining its tranquil vibe.

  • Seasonal candles: A beautifully scented candle can elevate the atmosphere of any room. Opt for a Christmas-scented candle, like cinnamon, pine, or orange to make the space feel warm and inviting

  • Soft towels in Christmassy colours: Swap out your regular towels for plush, high-quality towels in a rich, seasonal hue like deep red, forest green, or gold

  • Subtle décor: Consider adding a small garland along the vanity unit or a festive wreath on the door. Avoid over-decorating, as too many accents can make the room feel cramped

 

3 | Ensure the space is well-lit

Good lighting is essential, especially if your bathroom is going to be used frequently by guests. Ensure that your bathroom has enough light to make it feel spacious and welcoming.

  • Layer lighting: Use a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting. A bright overhead light is essential, but you can also add softer lighting with bathroom safe portable lamps to create atmosphere

  • Mirror maintenance: Ensure your mirrors are sparkling clean and free from streaks. A large, well-lit mirror is not only practical but can also enhance the feeling of space in smaller bathrooms

4 | Stock up on essentials

Make sure your bathroom is well-stocked with everything your guests might need during their visit. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep the space running smoothly and avoid any awkward situations.

 
 
 

5 | Deep clean the space

There’s nothing that makes a bathroom feel more luxurious than a thorough deep clean. While you may clean your bathroom regularly, take the extra time to get it holiday-ready.

  • Tile and grout: Scrub tiles and grout lines to ensure they look pristine. Use a grout cleaner to tackle any discolouration or build-up

  • Shower area: Make sure that your shower or bath is spotless, with no soap scum or watermarks on glass doors or walls

  • Floors: Clean your floors thoroughly. Consider using a microfibre cloth for a polished finish that also traps dirt.

 
 
 
 
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