All About Courtesy Baskets.
I could talk about Courtesy Baskets for hours. Sometimes referred to as “Bathroom Baskets”, “Hospitality Baskets”, “Courtesy Caddies” or “Welcome Baskets”, Courtesy Baskets are, quite simply, a way to honor and treat your guests. Courtesy Baskets are most commonly found in one of two places: 1. In the restrooms of party venues. 2. In the guest suites or bathrooms of very thoughtful hosts.
This Courtesy Basket (Tray) was designed for a Guest Bathroom. No worries if you forgot to pack a toothbrush!
I first encountered a Courtesy Basket nearly 2 decades ago at a very fancy wedding in Chicago. The black-tie reception was absolutely extraordinary with hundreds of guests, over-the-top floral centerpieces, a 20-piece live band, gourmet food, and a 4-tiered cake. During a quick trip to the ladies restroom, I discovered a well-stocked and organized basket full of everything a wedding guest might possibly need in a pinch. Hair spray, breath mints, Tylenol, bobby pins, deodorant spray, a First Aid Kit, Tums, you name it… I stood in awe along with all of the other guests in the restroom, carefully inspecting and admiring the contents as one guest exclaimed “It’s like a mini convenience store!”
It was just like a mini convenience store. And to me, it stood out as the most thoughtful and impressive component of that extravagant wedding reception. It made me feel cared for in a way that said “We are so delighted to have you here with us. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable while you’re here. Don’t worry about a thing.” And thus, my love and appreciation for all things Courtesy Baskets began.
I began to create Courtesy Baskets (or trays) for my friends’ weddings. I was so proud of the Ladies’ & Gentlemans’ Courtesy Baskets that I put together for my sister’s wedding that my Dad even made sure to highlight them in his Father-of-the-Bride speech (“Make sure you all make a trip to the restroom so you can check out Courtney’s Bathroom Baskets!”). I created my first “multi-tiered” Courtesy Basket for my friend Erica’s gorgeous wedding in Kentucky. At one point during that reception, a groomsman approached me and thanked me profusely for the mini-Advil packet he had grabbed during his trip to the restroom. Creating these baskets really brings me joy.
Courtesy Baskets are a small but meaningful way to honor your party guests or overnight visitors. A well-stocked Courtesy Basket in a guest room or powder room goes a long way to make your visitors feel welcomed and comfortable during their stay. I recently created a “Congratulations on Your Home Addition” gift for a couple that had recently completed work on a gorgeous guest suite to their home. This custom “Courtesy Caddy” was delivered with toiletry essentials for their frequently visiting in-laws included toothbrushes, toothpaste, Q-Tips, and contact solution. I ensured the color of the caddy matched the decor in the bathroom, and that the dimensions allowed the caddy to fit snuggly in the bathroom drawer.
The perfect house-warming gift: A guest room Courtesy “Caddy” to store and organize toiletry essentials for overnight guests.
The best part about Courtesy Baskets is that the options and styles are limitless - they are completely customize-able. I offer various sizes and price-points for Courtesy Baskets, and the container/tray/caddy/vessel can be selected according to any color, theme, space-constraint, or design. Additionally, the contents and quantities of items included are customize-able and can be adjusted depending on specific guest needs or location. Is your wedding rehearsal outdoors? I can include sunscreen! Do you want to make sure your overnight visitors aren’t bothered by the nightly wake-ups of a new baby? Let’s include some packets of earplugs. Do you need a small hostess gift when staying as an overnight guest? I can curate a custom Courtesy Basket tray complete with a bow!
I’d be honored to help you by creating a custom Courtesy Basket for an upcoming event, for your home, or as a gift. Please let me know if you have any questions!