All this to say that I'm trying to use the right words more often, even though we do live in Canada.
Few things say “welcome here” more loudly than a prepared meal, and a clean bathroom. When we travel and stay in a hotel, one of the first things I do is check to see how the bathroom looks. I’m happy when I see the shower curtain is freshly laundered and the tiles are spotless. Okay . . . they get paid for it . . . but, when we have guests, we can also show that we have put some thought into our preparations.
Every once in a while I check the shower curtain in our guest bathroom. It may just be the liner that needs some attention. You can get a new one or just throw the one you have into the machine. Add some towels, some detergent and a little bleach or ammonia (1/4 cup) and wash on gentle setting. To dry the curtain quickly and get the wrinkles out, throw one or two dry towels in with it and dry on low heat or air only for 10 minutes. Remove immediately and hang.
When you grab the brush to swish through the toilet, take a look at the brush . . . I don't really look at it from week to week . . . but this may the the time to pick up a new one. Clear unnecessary things that have gathered on the counter – a basket stored underneath can still allow for quick access. Replace an empty spot with some flowers and hang your best towels for guests. Simple enough.
12 comments:
Dear Annelise:
I have not commented on your blog before, but always enjoy your posts. You are a "light" in the dark world, always giving God the honour and glory. Today I am wondering if you have heard from your daughter in Indonesia.. when we heard of the tragedies happening there yesterday, I immediately thought of your family and prayed for them and for you, that although God's will must be done, that in His grace he may yet have protected them for the purpose of extending his kingdom in Indonesia. Hoping all is well.
i agree that a welcome bathroom is wonderful indeed! :) and by bathroom, i mean washroom.
These are great tips Anneliese! I'm too lazy to wash the liners and keep the very inexpensive $3.99 ones around to replace the used ones with.
I'd feel most comfortable in your 'washroom'. Thanks for the tips...and the reminder to check out the guest 'washroom' on occasion.
Washroom, bathroom ..all works for me, just never sure about restroom though:)
Those little tips can be such a difference for the weary traveller!
I always check the tub/tile/grout when we stay in hotels. I'm a bit fussy about things like that :)
Dear Anonymous - thank you for your first comment! And thank you for your prayers for our kids in Inodnesia ... we have not heard from them, since they have limited internet and are living a bit more remotely for a few weeks. However we do know that the natural disasters we are hearing about are not on the same island and it is quite a distance away. The closest danger to them is more about tribes fighting each other at this time. If it were not for the peace that God has given in knowing they are in HIs care and doing just what they are supposed to be doing right now... I'd be worried... but He gives peace and blesses us in the knowledge that others are praying too.
I guess we all enjoy a clean restroom and am always happy once the washroom inspection passes in hotels. As for guest washrooms. .it is so nice to have soft clean towels, it is a sure sign of a welcome.
I'll keep calling it washroom, I kind of like it.
Well how about that, we have the same shower curtain! My tip for a welcoming guest experience is to put fresh towels in their room, brightly colored towels of a different color than the household towels, and explain where they may hang their towels after use. It makes it easier to keep track of "their" towels.
Of course I think having a nice orange kitten to supervise all showers is a nice touch too.
Dear Thougths of Life ...that's fun hearing how you welcome guests... any other thoughts ... are welcome!
I enjoyed your post on the welcome bathroom. I've often wondered if I'm the only one concerned about the shower curtain liner in my bathroom. I'm pretty frugal, so I bought a nice fabric liner (better for us and the environment.) I wash it often and hang it to dry on the clothesline when weather permits. I can see from your photo that you have a white shower curtain. Isn't white is the nicest color to use in the bathroom? You can always bleach white towels, and they never look faded!
Napkins and serviettes is another confusing one :)
I love this line from your previous devotion "The challenge will be to begin my days with expectation and to end them, remembering."
I'll be thinking about that today - thanks Anneliese!
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