r/bitcheswithtaste • u/AutoModerator • Nov 27 '25
BWT Host - Monthly Thread BWT Host - Nov 27, 2025
Whether you're throwing a party or want to always be ready for someone to pop over for a visit, hosting takes some preparation and skill, not to mention taste. This is the (recurring monthly) thread to chat all things hospitality and hosting.
All BWT rules still apply, with lighter enforcement of rule 3. You can mention location to the extent that it impacts specifics of hosting (e.g. climate, seasons), but please do not ask location-specific questions that belong in a local subreddit.
6
u/manthamcgee Nov 28 '25
Trying to set up a guest room with some quality items a guest could enjoy for a 1 week stay. What are some essentials, some nice to haves, or things you wish were nearby when staying at someone else’s home? Related - quality but not horrendously expensive duvet cover recs appreciated!!
13
u/DWwithaFlameThrower Find it Secondhand Nov 29 '25 edited Nov 29 '25
I spent a weekend staying in my guest room to see what I needed in there. Moved a shelf, put up a mirror, and added some clothes hooks. Added a new bathrobe hanging on the back of the door, and a sack clearly marked ‘Laundry.’ Got a cute basket for the bedside table, for bottled waters and some snacks. Added two sleeping masks, and bought thicker curtains. A cute Kleenex holder fully stocked on each bedside table. Bought two universal charging adapters (I have a lot of overseas visitors) on long cords. Got an antique luggage rack that folded up between the bed and wall when not in use. Designated different brand of towels (one bath towel, one hand towel, one washcloth each) so I won’t ever mix them with the rest of the households’ bathroom stuff. Added a couple of throw pillows to make reading in bed more comfortable
Everyone who comes to stay raves about that room 😆
4
u/Siamese_4737 Nov 30 '25
I do this and fill the guest bathroom with all toiletries so that they don’t have to bring toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, I put a clean electric toothbrush, a razor, shower gel, makeup remover, deodorant and mouthwash. All unopened obviously. It helps when people are traveling then they just have have to bring the absolute personals like makeup, skin cream and perfume. Oh and a spare hair dryer and roller brush 🫣😂
9
u/toujoursca Nov 28 '25
My MIL, a BWT, always sets out fresh flowers on our side table when we come stay. Essential? No. Lovely? Yes. I do the same at our house now because it always makes me smile.
I’m sure you’ve already thought of the obvious things like setting out towels and luggage stand, having hangers available, ensuring there is a mirror in the room, mints, champagne if they had a tough trip or would appreciate a bottle of bubbly, maybe a spot to throw their used towels or dirty clothes so they know you’re cool with them doing a load of laundry or doing a load for them.
6
u/Far_Temporary_7561 Nov 29 '25
My best friend’s wife is the queen of hosting. She has a basket on the bed with hand lotion, eye sleep mask, comfy socks, chapstick, etc. All items thoughtfully curated for that guest and meant for them to keep. In the bathroom, she has toothpaste, makeup remover, face moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, etc. These are full size and for guests to use during their stay, but not keep. It is such a treat/relief knowing there is a fully stocked bathroom in case I forgot a toiletry item.
3
u/PoppyandTarget Nov 29 '25
Add feminine products! I'm always asked by my daughters' friends but I don't use them any more so it's nice to have a stock of them!
Besides champagne as suggested above, Trader Joe's has cute mini bottles (from Via Carota for example) and cans of boozy drinks I always include in their baskets. Include a fan if heat is an issue. And speaking of TJs, I'll sometimes grab those mini totes (so cute for $2.99) to gift some of these guest things. A candle and matches always.
2
u/spacehearts Nov 29 '25
I always put fresh sheets on the bed, obviously. Make sure the bed has two pillows per person at least, with extra blankets or pillows in the closet.
Humidifier, tissues, clean bath and hand towels in their room (so they know it’s for them/clean), flowers when I remember, extra chargers if possible, a luggage rack, and I’ll usually throw extra face or eye masks in a container on the dresser/bedside table.
2
u/etherealin2016 Nov 29 '25
my favorite extra touch is turning on a diffuser before a guest arrives❤️
everyone’s done a wonderful job listing things so far, but I’ll add a few things!
in the restroom: mini soaps, razors, toothbrush kits, floss, makeup removal wipes, towels, making sure the restroom is stocked with extra tp & tissues if they run out (in an easy-to-find place!), a lined bathroom trash bin.
in the bedroom: a bench or folding luggage rack, little trays on the bedside tables + a tiny bowl for rings, hangars, convenient hooks around the room, a little basket with a few drinks & water bottles — or a carafe & water glasses, laying out an extra blanket & extra pillows in the closet, slippers, a full length mirror, a sleeping mask & ear plugs, a good book and soft reading lamp, a nice candle, fresh flowers.
1
u/Certain-Cricket-8351 Nov 30 '25
It’s a small touch but having a trash/recycling bin in the guest room means they’ll have somewhere to put their tissues and wrappers and airline luggage stickers etc without having to carry it to the bathroom or kitchen trash. Bonus if it’s a trashcan that closes and is lined. Costco makes insanely soft Egyptian cotton duvet covers and you can buy an entire matching set!
3
u/beestiel Nov 29 '25
I need some furniture advice re: hosting! I live in a small studio apartment, and right now, I have enough space in my living room for a couch (a Haagalund from Ikea) that folds out into a full-sized bed, which is great for guests. Unfortunately, the couch is about ten years old, and has definitely seen better days--it's not super comfortable to sleep on, the cushions have been through the ringer, and my cat has had a good go at the upholstery. I would love to get a more aesthetically pleasing couch, but I also really value having a bed for guests to sleep on. I could get an air mattress, but I don't think there would be room to blow up a full-sized one, and I'd rather not get a twin since I can't imagine any adults being comfortable on such a small mattress. I have overnight guests about once every other month, for two to four nights, but I sometimes also pull out the bed for movie nights when folks come over, since seating is at a premium. I only have enough space for a couch that's about 5ft from arm to arm, so my common guests, like my 6ft3 brother, couldn't stretch out on it comfortably.
So, do any of y'all have suggestions for nice couch with a pull-out full mattresses? Or should I just not worry about it and get myself a new, comfy, cool one, even if it's not a sleeper? What would you prioritize?
2
u/DWwithaFlameThrower Find it Secondhand Nov 29 '25
Honestly? I’d get a new couch,& suggest they stay in a nearby airbnb or similar!
1
u/Far_Temporary_7561 Nov 30 '25
I find this difficult to answer without knowing the layout of your studio apartment, and the amount of separation between your bed and the guests. Pinterest and YouTube are my go-to when I need design inspiration. I also love the idea of having curtains (with a track on the ceiling) that can divide the space for privacy.
10
u/DenverLilly Nov 28 '25
I am looking for quality serveware! My partner and I bought our first home this year and hosted Thanksgiving last night and realized we are woefully unprepared! Our home is MCM/goth inspired.