Two days before Christmas Mrs. Hillbilly stopped by to drop off one of her delicious Amaretto cheesecakes and a beautiful candle for our family to enjoy. Mrs. HB made sure to tell me she had purchased a boatload of candles last year on clearance at Pier 1 for 75% off. She thought I’d get a kick out of knowing that she was passing out $20 candles for her neighborhood gift this year and only had to pay $5 each for them. I told her I was impressed. 😉
Our old neighborhood has a tradition of setting a little “happy” as Mrs. Hillbilly likes to call them on each other’s front porches a few days before Christmas.
The Hunter and his wife always gave out delicious mint truffles, Girly Girl passes out homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas eve, Francisco gifted ornaments and so on. It was a fun tradition and I’m thankful Mrs. HB still includes me even though we’ve moved a few miles away.
Yada yada yada, after standing in my kitchen for a whopping 30 seconds she tells me the couch is in the wrong place, the table should be moved back to the dinning room, we should bring the chair from the family room into the living room and that I should move the little white side table into the power room.
And because I had nothing better to do two days before Christmas, {like make 2 complete meals for Christmas eve and Christmas day} we busted out the moving blankets and started moving furniture around.
It was hilarious, and I think my favorite part was when we moved the Christmas tree and presents and she yelled “Are these fake presents? OMG.” {They were not fake presents… they were gift cards wrapped in larger boxes because my husband is weird and likes to see lot’s of presents under the tree. Whatever. Fine. I can toss a gift card in a BIG box and wrap it up if that makes him happy. Life’s too short to argue, right?}
Anywho, I liked all of Mrs. HB’s furniture suggestions, except one.
The side table in the powder room. Mrs. HB thinks I need a little table in there for towels, soap, extra toilet paper and a bowl of potpourri.
I told her I thought the table in the bathroom looked cluttered. Besides, I already have a guest towel hanging, pump soap on the sink and extra rolls of toilet paper behind the pedestal sink.
So what do YOU think? Table, or no table?
Mrs. HB wants to know.
And I want to know how YOU wrap your gift cards. Big box? Little box? Envelope. Inquiring minds want to know.
~Mavis
Angie says
I’m liking the table idea 🙂
I totally wrap gift cards up in big boxes too. At least for hubby and son- and lots of packaging tape ;). If I’m really feeling festive I might put something in it to give it weight to psych them out.
Occasionally they go in a gift bag for non household members.
Sherle says
I prefer it without the little side table. Every flat surface gets covered with stuff, no need to give you all that extra stress of keeping it neat and tidy. For me I like the gift cards wrapped in all sorts of creative ways, however my hubby would put them in an plain white envelope and put them on a branch in the tree.
One year when I was little my dad and his siblings decided to buy my grandma a ring with the birthstones of all her children on it. That tiny ring box was packed in many wrapped boxes, like a Russian doll until the first box which was an old apple box. Poor grandma thought she was getting everything from apples, to toilet paper, to chocolate, to shoes, etc., until she finally reached the ring box. She got excited about each and every “present” and loved her ring.
I had to get super creative wrapping presents for my son as he could always figure them out for some reason. I have even gone so far as to open the Lego boxes and stuff them with newspaper so nothing moved to keep him from guessing what his presents were.
Tiffany F says
HAHAHA!!!!!!! I did that with the Lego boxes this year 🙂
s campbell says
Gift cards in bags with lots of tissue paper. And table in the powder room.
Mandy says
No table! Those flat surfaces are just screaming to be cluttered. You are correct.
Robin says
Yes, on the table.
Tracie says
Do all pedestal sinks have that little hiddy hole??! Running downstairs to check mine now… and Mrs HB is right. The powder room looked naked without it.
Mavis Butterfield says
I think they do… where else would the plumbing go? Does yours?
Debbie says
I like the table in the bathroom. And I usually attach the gift cards to something and then wrap it. This year I used boxes of chocolates, nuts, dried fruit, books and magazines. Even though getting a gift card is awesome, I still like the recipient to “get” a little something right away.
Bren says
I’m not sure but reading this made me laugh and I needed that. Love your blog!
Jean says
It’s nice to have something to look at while sitting on the toilet (as a guest) just no photographs of the family. You don’t want to feel like you’re being watched! So my vote is for the table with some interesting items on top and reading material?
Mavis says
This is my favorite thing I’ve read in awhile. “You don’t want to feel like you’re being watched.” That’s hilarious. And so true!!
Paige says
I like the table… it’s a half bath so you probably don’t need to worry so much about clutter. Plus, it gives you something to look at while using the ladies room. We got lots of gift cards for Christmas (yay), most of them are wrapped in small boxes of various shapes/sizes. My family hates giving them(?), but I l o v e them!
Melanie says
It looks cluttered with the table maybe if it was smaller it would look better but girl I had to laugh at the toilet paper behind the sink! Haha That’s funny! The room does need something though even if it’s just a better hiding spot for the TP!
Teresa says
Table!
Sheila says
Hmm… No rug, one of your pretty hooked rugs in front of the pedestal sink to bring in a bit of warmth and color to the room I think!
Sheila
Earlene says
I like the table, but it’s your house after its all said and done. I like the boxes for gift cards and cash. It’s fun! If you leave the table in bathroom, it’s screaming for one of your runners! 🙂
Jean says
Hi Mavis. I like the table in the bathroom. Just keep the essentials in there. As for the gift cards in bigger boxes, I do the same thing. I have to disguise all gifts that go under our tree. I have a 13 year old snooper that will try to guess. This year was funny because I got her on every present. I had gotten the idea from my mother because she had to do the same thing with me years ago. LOL. Well, as the saying goes… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. 🙂 Also, I am enjoying reading Dig For Your Dinner. Take care.
Karin Carson says
Gift cards go in to boxes with bricks, stones, bells , water bottles, or some kind of treasure hunt/guessing game, the wackier the better in our family.
I agre that the Br needs something on that wall, but that said its your home and you get to do it your way 🙂 thanks for the giggle , hi to Lucy .
Debbie says
Keep the table.
Veronica Vatter says
Table
auntie says
I say, keep the table and lose the white pot with the sticks in it. The table is a better place to store extra TP, I doubt most guests will know to look at the back of the sink if they need it.
Sara says
I too had to check my pedestal sink to see if it had an opening. It does, but I’m going to guess that many others won’t know about the opening either. You want to make it as easy as possible for your guests to find an extra roll if there’s an emergency situation. Do you really want your guests to be yelling out from the bathroom to ask for another roll of toilet paper? Ick!
I think the table looks nice, but you’re the only one who will really know if it’s too big for the space. It does look nicely staged in the picture though, and since you are ultimately wanting to flip the house, its a good option that doesn’t cost much money. I vote to keep it until you find something else that you like for the space.
Wynne says
No table. I agree that the bathroom looks somewhat naked, but better naked than cramped. If you like the pot pourri or reading material idea, a small shelf? I love your TP hiding spot.
Jennifer Jo says
YES to the table. Put a softly-lit lamp on it and a stack of magazines. Oh, and the candle she gave you.
olga says
that’s the best suggestion so far!
Rosaleen says
From the picture, the rooms looks too small for that table, but a basket or something in the corner, or maybe a small shelf could make the room look even more “finished.” It is also fine as is.
Mandy says
Let the table stay! Also gift cards are tricky… I think I would pair it with another gift or two. Maybe wrap it with a book with a nice bookmark and a gift card.
Lauralli says
I agree that something needs to go in there. Also agree that people need to know where the TP is! But, that table is not “right” because it’s not white (like the toilet, sink, and molding). It’s just kind of a mix between the wall color and white. Maybe you could add it to your list of painting projects? Then, it would be perfect! But, if you don’t like it, move it.
Joanna says
> But, that table is not “right” because it’s not white (like the toilet, sink, and molding). It’s just kind of a mix between the wall color and white.
I agree.
AmyWW says
I think the guest bath is better without the table. But if I was a guest in your home and the tp roll was empty, I’d never think to look behind the sink.
layne says
I like the table, it gives it a more finished look!
suzanne says
Ok so now i want/need to see the before and afters of her other suggestions. The table does look really nice but maybe to deep for the room as in unnecessary for resale. I hide my toilet scrubber behind my sink. Its the last place folks will look.
Lea says
I like the idea of the table – but that one is too big and the wrong color. Maybe a small little cabinet with a door (for the toilet paper) and a vase with colorful flowers on top!
Lea
Pauline says
IMHO, that’s a NO on the table. Anything that close to your knees when you’re sitting on the toilet makes the bathroom feel like you’re in a cheap motel.
Debbie N says
I like the idea of a table in the bathroom but that one looks to big. I would go with something small and squarish. Maybe a wire framed shelf or something with glass would make it not stand out as much. I can picture in my head what I think would look good but it is hard to explain.
As for gift cards, I have one weird tradition. My kids and I give my husband’s card to him with a Ken Doll that looks like him. It started one year when I bought my husband a gift card from home depot and they had these cute orange apron gift holders.We gave him Ken wearing his gift and his reaction was so funny we have figured out something using Ken every year.
Sue says
I put a small baker’s shelf in my bathroom and really love it. One shelf has magazines, one shelf has several rolls of toilet paper, and one shelf has my extra bath towels.
I don’t usually have cut flowers or even many house plants, but if I did, either of those would be nice on the top of your table.
When I take a bath, I usually have not only something to read but also a water bottle or glass of water. It’s nice to have a dry place to set those, and my eyeglasses, etc. (in my case the shelf is also very near the tub — it doesn’t look like that’s the case for your powder room)
Lyn says
No table. Less is more. You bathroom is perfect as is.
Tracy says
Yes to the side table in the bathroom, but for God’s sake, NO pot pouring….very 1985. Instead, hang a tightly arranged collection of small pictures above it, and use the surface to display something truly fascinating. The people….um….taking a seat for a few minutes would appreciate something riveting to look at and it’s an opportunity to show a bit of humor or eccentricity. And a small container of fresh flowers is always a nice touch when you’re having people over and happen to have some in the garden.
Kari says
No on the table. More to dust, another flat surface. I like things clean and simple.
Mavis Butterfield says
I think we might be the only ones Kari. 😉
Tracy L. says
No, your not, I don’t like clutter either. Clean and simple, best motto ever.
ann in E. oregon says
No table, but I like the idea of a rug in front of the sink. Did you take Mrs. HB’s advice with the other room? I thought it was very cozy the way you had it. 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes. The couch is in the same spot, we flipped the chaise end of the couch like she suggested and it looks so much better. Also moved our large sideboard to where the table was. Now I just need a chair in there and the room is done.
ann in E. oregon says
Sounds nice. Still cozy. 🙂
Michelle says
Yes vote for the table! I personally don’t care for gift cards–just give money, it can be used everywhere!
Jess McCarthy says
I’m so glad I am not the only one who rearranges friends stuff. Only with their permission, of course! I have also been known to clean my friends’ houses… Only very good friends. They love it when I come over!
Ashley says
Not a fan of the table, but I am very minimalist when it comes to bathrooms. I like the idea of a small rug though. Or even a nice basket with extra tp, air freshener or what not.
Carmen says
The room could do with something, but the console table is too big. And NO to potpourri! I would go with much more Art on the walls.
Gift cards wrapped nicely, but not as bigger gifts, though I understand HH’s reasoning (& have a friend who does have fake gifts because real gifts don’t go under the tree till Xmas Eve – young kids.) This year, Daughter 1 had a gift card in her stocking (everything in those is wrapped in tissue paper.) And I gifted two to teenage friends this year – in an envelope which was wrapped with a festive candy gift.
Lynda says
Please send Mrs. HB to my house! Yes to the table, but painted a shade similar to the wall, and moved to the right (to where the wall angles?) so the guest’s knees aren’t crowded. On the table’s lower shelf in reach of the occupant, a basket or small wire crate for those extra (previously hidden!) TP rolls. A small waste bin might fit on the lower shelf, too. On the table top, at least a box of tissues and a basket for extra hand towels. A lamp would be sweet, too. (If those drawers in the table are functional, desperate visitors might appreciate emergency supplies!) No plants on the toilet, but maybe a small covered dish for matches. It’s all about the guests! 🙂
Mavis says
Everyone needs a Mrs. Hillbilly!!
Carole Browne says
Yes on the table.
We always wrap gift cards in imaginative ways. We will buy a big bucket of popcorn and put it on the underside of the lid or be really evil and put it UNDER the popcorn! We have wrapped cards in multiple boxes, each wrapped in a different paper. We have also had a gift card wrapped and tagged for the recipient, but after opening, they find another box wrapped and addressed to someone else, so it goes around to everyone and finally back to the original person it belongs to. We have had scavenger hunts for gift cards with clues written in limericks style and leading you all over the house and yard. I guess we are just a mischievous bunch!
Mavis says
I love all your gift cards ideas! I’m especially fond of the popcorn one. Ha!
Amanda says
I like the table. I think it needs something hung above it and maybe a candle or 3 on it to make it fit into the room. Then it won’t look so cluttered/out of place.
Rebecca says
No on the table in the powder room. Clean and simple is best and the table makes the room look cramped 😀
Mavis says
Clean and simple is pretty much my motto in life now!
Susan S. says
Yes, I think you need a little table, but a smaller one than you have pictured. As a guest, I don’t think I’d know to look behind the sink for extra TP, but I would check a little table drawer for it.
Mavis says
Good point! Most of my guests know my crazy ways, but I’m sure there will be those who don’t!
Rachel says
Where was the side table before? Does that space look better/less cluttered without it? If so keep it in the powder room, move it down toward the wall angle and paint it if you get bored. If moving the side table left a gaping hole you will have to fill and spend money on, move it back ASAP.
We used the end table my husband made in 8th grade wood shop in our powder room. I ‘had’ to be displayed somewhere and I tucked the garbage can underneath.
Liliana says
No table
Ashleah says
I like the table in the powder room. It doesn’t seem to take up much space, and it will be good for storage. Maybe you could put a candle on the table instead of potpourri.
Kimberly says
I think the table would look nice for staging when you are ready to sell, especially if you put some rolled hand towels and extra toilet paper in baskets. http://www.zveris.net/simple-and-quick-steps-in-bathroom-organization/simple-open-shelves-bathroom-storage-organization-with-basket-for-towels-bath-cotton-nail-polish-product-glass-ball-jar/
Kimberly says
Oh and I’d probably do a small live plant on top of the console and a framed black and white landscape photo.
Stacy T says
No table – or at least not that one. Maybe something smaller but I don’t think it’s necessary.
Gift cards are either in a gift bag or one of those special gift card boxes. I usually pick them up now for super cheap. We don’t do a lot of gift cards though and have little kids
Cathi says
I like the table but I think it’s a bit too big for the space so I would go “no table” and find something else for the space.
Over the years we’ve done a lot of different things for gift cards; pretty cards, a wallet or change purse, a box, a bag with lots of tissue, and just in stockings. It all depends on who’s wrapping and the time! lol
Katie says
No table. Maybe a smaller table. I prefer a minimalist look. Especially when you go to sell!
Laurie says
Yes to table! It gives visitors a place to put purse on instead of floor. As far as gift cards, we usually do small bags. But we noticed this year with moving and downsizing, we don’t have the storage to keep all the bags. So we are going to make one big fabric bag for everyone’s gifts. No more buying wrapping paper, boxes or tissue paper. Yay!
Michele says
Yes to the table
Candy C says
Table is nice. Maybe milk paint it. Candle on top wilth fresh or dried flowers or greenery depending on season or small box of kleenes and extra towels/washcloths on shelf below. I like how you put the extra tp behind the pedestal. Usually when you clean the bathroon each day you glance at the roll and if needed changing soon and company expected for a gathering it would be changed. have a small powder that actually appears smaller than yours and hung a glass shelf across from the sink toilet and placed a battery operated candle (looks real I swear) and a small oil painting. Behind the toilet we put a basket made of stainless steel and rolled extra washcloths/hand towels in it. Also have the a double stainless towel rack mounted under the shelf. The extra tp is in a vintage milk can (it holds a lot) and since it had no lid I placed a bouquet of silk flowers inside so it stick out the top and change them with the seasons. Only you will know if the room looks too cramped with the table.
Candy C says
We gave cash this year because our children and grandchildren know better what they want than us and they live either a few towns away or in other states. So I wrapped each gift of money as a Christmas cracker using an empty tp roll and stuffed candy, the bills, and red shred inside the rolls. This worked well for the ones that were shipped as they are fit in one package and didn’t cost $$$ to ship. Also used print and ship on USPS online and did you know you get a discount plus you don’t have to wait in the long lines at the post office? Just drop in a mailbox, or arrange a pickup from your mailcarrier (the next day) and it all can be done online. The family members that came for Christmas had the cracker but also a small gift to which the cracker was attached. I did coffee mugs w/a pkt of gourment coffee or hot chocolate pkt for those who don”t drink coffee.
Teckla says
I’m a no on the table. Just looking at it makes me think of what a gentleman once said of the bathroom in a parsonage he visited. “I could sit on the John, lean over and brush my teeth!” It’s too big and the wrong color. I do like the suggestions about a shelf and/or hook(s) to hang a purse. I would probably make the TP more obvious, too. Most people probably wouldn’t look behind the sink and feel a bit uncomfortable poking around too much. However, that’s one reason why I always try to have some Kleenex in my purse. Just in case of an emergency. I like minimal, especially since there’s no tub or shower so you don’t need a lot of towels and stuff. Bottom line, though, it’s your home and it should make you comfortable, so do what feels right for you!
LaceFaerie says
I like the table in the powder room. Look homey and welcoming.
I have to get creative with my wrappings because my HH and grown son are practically psychic when it comes to guessing what’s in boxes. When they were young, I tagged the boxes with numbers, so it lessened the correct guesses. Just had to remember where I wrote down who had which number!
Heather says
I say no to that table, but I think you need something – shelf or smaller cabinet so you can have an extra roll of toilet paper at a minimum. I never would have found it in your current hiding place.
Gift cards – we don’t give or get them. I would love to get one as a present, but my family doesn’t seem to think so.
Cheryl says
I am going to preface this by saying I am a less is more person and would prefer no table. But then too, I have reached the age where going to the bathroom resembles more of a mad dash! So the less things I have to run into the better.
As for gift cards, if you are getting them in person, I can guarantee it will be a long drawn out production. My family likes to have fun and can truly be inspirational or evil, if you prefer.
Mavis says
Cheryl, your mad dash comment just made me giggle!
ilona says
i like the table in the powder room