Battle of the thrones

A host’s thoughtfulness and care for their guests also shows through how well they prepare their powder rooms. | Photos by JT Fernandez

In the subtle art of hosting, the powder room—or the “throne room”—quietly holds its own. Modest in scale yet mighty in impression, it offers guests a brief, intimate glimpse into your home and your sense of care. Though often dismissed as merely functional, this small but powerful space is anything but forgettable. It provides a private moment for guests to pause and refresh between courses or cocktails while keeping the sanctity of your family’s personal bathrooms intact.

When designed with intention and stocked thoughtfully, the powder room becomes a tiny sanctuary. It reflects not only your aesthetic but also your values as a host, the attention to detail, eye for beauty, and heart tuned to the comfort of others.

Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” In the powder room, comfort and luxury live in the smallest gestures—from the scent that greets you upon entry and the embroidered hand towels to the quiet confidence of a hand soap that is both elegant in fragrance and pleasing in packaging.

Even something as simple as a toilet paper with a triangle fold or a mint-flavored dental floss in a ceramic dish offers a quiet assurance that someone took the time to make things lovely for you.

This is not just about cleanliness—though that, of course, is non-negotiable. It is about intention. A guest-ready powder room should surprise, delight, and offer a moment of calm. It can be timeless or cheeky, refined or playful. When done right, it becomes its own little private party with a lock on the door.

So what makes a powder room truly guest-ready?

Start with the essentials. A good liquid hand soap is key. Choose something that doesn’t shout from the label but whispers in scent and elegance. Clean cloth napkins should be neatly folded in a tray or basket, arranged in odd-numbered groups of three, five, or seven, for a touch of visual harmony, as favored in Italian and other cultures. Ensure that there’s an extra roll (or two) of toilet paper of choice—visibly tucked but stylishly contained. Or you can always assign someone to discreetly refresh and replenish the powder room throughout the event.

Then, elevate. Scent leaves a first and lasting impression, whether it’s a softly diffused essential oil (such as neroli), a discreet room spray, or a candle with a fragrance that feels like part of the home—not a cover-up. I personally prefer a reed diffuser for safety. Include thoughtful touches that soften the experience and show care to make this space into a haven of hospitality.

Layer in ambiance. A tiny speaker playing soft instrumental music can offer guests both a sense of calm and the gift of privacy. It’s a subtle luxury, but one that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Visual details matter, too. A small vase with a stem or two, or greeneries from the garden. A framed artwork or signed photograph. A beautifully aged mirror. A tiny shelf with curiosities.

Design-wise, do not be afraid to let this be the room where you go bold. Wallpaper that feels too daring for the dining room might be just perfect here. Call me sentimental, but I am quite pleased with how we managed to salvage our vintage Florence Broadhurst wallpaper from our very first apartment to our current home. It is a piece of our story that continues to bring me joy. You may opt to perhaps use a bold paint color and nice lighting.

The powder room is your hidden gem, your jewel box. It is the place where your personality gets to play, without having to match the curtains.

Powder room guest-ready checklist:

 Empty and disinfect the trash bin

 Replace with a fresh trash bag

 Check and replenish toilet paper

 Refill paper towels (if applicable)

 Clean and refill hand soap

 Clean lavatory and bidet

 Scrub and disinfect the sink and counters

 Wipe down the mirror

 Dust the artwork and shelves

 Sweep, mop the floor, and refresh the floor rug

 Clean the vent and wipe the windows

 Check scent source (ex: candle, diffuser, or spray)

 Add extras: floss, breath mints, plant, and poo drops

 Do a toilet paper napkin fold (yes, like a hotel, for the finale. A sign that the powder room was just refreshed)

In the world of hosting, a guest may not remember your living room, but they’ll remember how your powder room made them feel. It is where your thoughtfulness is on full display. It says: I didn’t just prepare the meal. I considered every moment, even this one.

It is, quite fittingly, the quiet crown. So make it lovely. Always guest-ready. And just a little bit fabulous.