Products We Use, Love and Recommend
Hosting memorable events has taught us that the smallest details can make a big difference. Crossroads Favorites brings together our recommended party night essentials, sexual wellness products, event hosting supplies and behind-the-scenes finds that help create a more comfortable, confident and enjoyable experience.
Some are products we personally use at The Clayton Crossroads. Others are items we have carefully researched or believe may be helpful to our community. We'll always tell you why an item earned a place on this page.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, The Clayton Crossroads may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. An affiliate relationship does not influence what we recommend.
Set the Mood
Good lighting can completely change the atmosphere of a space. We look for warm, dimmable and rechargeable lighting that creates an inviting glow without making the room feel too dark.
TIKI Brand BiteFighter Mosquito Repellent Torch Fuel
Why we use it:
Warm torchlight is a big part of the outdoor atmosphere at The Clayton Crossroads, but North Carolina mosquitoes are not invited. We use TIKI Brand BiteFighter fuel in our outdoor torches because it provides the glow we want while helping repel mosquitoes. We love when one product can do two jobs.
Best for:
Patios, backyards, outdoor parties and evening entertaining.
Always use torch fuel according to the manufacturer's instructions and keep it safely stored away from children, pets and heat sources.
Kooper Outdoor Solar Lanterns
Why we use them:
We use solar lighting throughout our outdoor space because it adds atmosphere without requiring cords or electrical outlets. Our Kooper solar lanterns provide a soft decorative glow and look just as attractive during the day as they do after dark.
Best for:
Patios, walkways, gardens, outdoor seating areas and backyard entertaining.
Specific styles and availability may change, so we recommend checking the product measurements and lighting color before ordering.
Wine Bottle Torch Kits
Why we recommend them:
Guests regularly ask how we turned ordinary bottles into outdoor lanterns. The secret is a wine bottle torch kit. These kits allow us to repurpose attractive wine and liquor bottles into distinctive outdoor torches that add personality and flickering light to the space.
Best for:
Outdoor bars, patios, garden tables and anyone looking for a creative way to reuse a beautiful bottle.
Use only a kit designed for this purpose, follow its instructions carefully and place finished torches on a stable outdoor surface away from flammable materials.
Event-Night Comfort
Being prepared helps you relax and enjoy the evening. These are the small, practical items worth keeping in your overnight bag, purse or personal event-night kit.
Red Bird Soft Peppermint Puffs
Why we use them:
These are the peppermints we put out for our guests at The Clayton Crossroads. They are individually wrapped, refreshingly minty and softer than traditional hard peppermint candy. They are an easy little event-night extra that guests can enjoy discreetly whenever they want one.
We also love that Red Bird has been making its signature peppermint puffs in Lexington, North Carolina, since 1890.
Best for:
Guest baskets, candy bowls, reception areas, parties and personal event-night kits.
Sonoma Goods For Life Quick-Dry Ribbed Cotton Bath Sheet
Why we use it:
These large white bath sheets from Kohl's are my favorite towels for the hot-tub area. A bath sheet gives guests more coverage than a standard bath towel, and the ribbed cotton fabric is absorbent without feeling excessively heavy.
The bath sheet measures approximately 33 by 65 inches, so it is large enough to wrap around comfortably after leaving the hot tub.
Best for:
Hot tubs, pools, guest bathrooms and anyone who prefers a larger towel.
Make sure you select "Bath Sheet" and your preferred color when ordering because the same listing also includes smaller bath towels, hand towels and washcloths.
Sexual Wellness and Safer Play
Comfort, communication and personal responsibility matter. This section includes sexual-wellness and safer-play products selected with quality, comfort and body safety in mind.
These recommendations are for general informational purposes and are not medical advice. Always read product instructions, review ingredients and choose products appropriate for your personal needs.
SKYN Original Non-Latex Condoms
Why we keep them available:
We believe guests should have access to options, including an alternative for people who avoid natural rubber latex. SKYN Original condoms are made with the brand's synthetic polyisoprene SKYNFEEL material and contain no natural rubber latex.
Good to know:
Condom fit, material and personal compatibility matter. Read the package instructions and ingredient information, check the expiration date and select the product that is appropriate for your individual needs.
This recommendation is for general information and is not medical advice.
Trojan Latex Condoms
Why we keep them available:
We also keep Trojan latex condoms available for guests who prefer a traditional latex option. Trojan offers several styles and sizes, so guests can choose the variety that best meets their individual needs.
Good to know:
Natural rubber latex is not appropriate for everyone. Always read the product packaging, check the expiration date and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
This recommendation is for general information and is not medical advice.
Behind the Scenes
Hosting requires far more than decorating and putting out food. These are some of the lighting, cleaning, organizing, outdoor and hospitality products that help us prepare for event nights.
Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
Why we use it:
This may not be the most glamorous Crossroads Favorite, but we go through plenty of it. We use Reynolds Wrap Heavy Duty Foil for grilling, covering food trays, keeping prepared food warm and making cleanup a little easier.
Regular foil has its place, but heavy-duty foil is our preference when we are cooking for a crowd or working around the grill.
Best for:
Grilling, outdoor entertaining, large gatherings, food preparation and party cleanup.
GNEGNI Reusable Pineapple Hot Tub Sponge
Why we use it:
This little pineapple floats on the water and helps collect some of the oils, lotions and residue that can accumulate on the surface. We like that it is reusable, easy to recognize and far cuter than an ordinary hot-tub sponge.
Best for:
Hot tubs, spas and small pools.
A floating sponge supports regular maintenance but does not replace proper water testing, sanitizing, filtration or cleaning.
OdoBan Professional Lavender Disinfectant and Odor Eliminator
Why we use it:
Cleaning an event venue requires products that can handle both cleaning and lingering odors. OdoBan Professional in the lavender scent is one of our behind-the-scenes favorites because it is versatile, concentrated and leaves the space smelling fresh without the sharp scent of some commercial products.
Best for:
Bathrooms, washable hard surfaces and other appropriate venue-cleaning tasks.
OdoBan has different dilution, precleaning and contact-time directions depending on how it is being used. Always follow the instructions on the product label for the intended surface and purpose.
Help Us Build This List
Have an event-night essential or sexual-wellness product you genuinely love? Tell us about it.
We may research it, try it and consider adding it to our Crossroads Favorites. Recommendations are never guaranteed placement, and we will always make our own decision before featuring a product.