I don't want to be rude, or make anyone uncomfortable, but I don't want to walk around following everyone with a dustpan either. What is the best way to let our party guests know about our "no shoes" policy, without being a nuisance?
2007-08-29 14:16:57 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Don't have a party if you are going to be worried about shoes in the house. What if someone spills? Will you have no wine and drinks at the party also? Just get your carpet steam cleaned the next day if you are worried about ruining your carpet. It is rude you ask for others to take off their shoes for a house party.
2007-08-29 14:20:37 · answer #1 · answered by Duke 4 · 5⤊ 5⤋
It is YOUR home and they are in your territory. It is absolutely okay for you to request that your guests remove their shoes. A lot of people do not like others wearing shoes in the house, as it makes the floors very dirty. I'm sure your guest will be more than understanding. What you could do is mention that they might want to bring socks if they do not like going barefoot, but if they are in sandals, I'm sure they won't mind at all. I hope you have a VERY fun party!
2016-04-02 06:34:08 · answer #2 · answered by Heather 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, the best thing to do is to tell guests in advance of the no-shoes policy. That's what I've always done, and I've never had anyone object.
I agree with other suggestions about leaving a lot of shoes piled by the door. That's a good hint. Also, answer the door in your socks. Don't wear slippers or house shoes.
If you want your guests in their socks, then you need to be in your socks as well. Good luck.
2007-08-29 19:02:20 · answer #3 · answered by XP 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a number of people who have a shoes off policy in their homes. If you have a place set up for them just inside the door, it will be obvious to some but not all. You can designate a few greeters to open the door and point the way.
You might have a few people who are uncomfortable. Some people don't like the appearance of their feet (discolored toe nails, etc), or they may be wearing ratty socks with holes. It's a little bit dicey if it's a big party with people you don't know well.
Here's an idea... buy a bunch of cute socks, some of them funny, and give them as party favors. Each person who arrives gets to choose a pair of socks. People can wear them, or just pick one out and go barefoot. The early arrivals get their pick, and the latecomers get stuck with something really silly. Enlist a couple of friends to help mind the door so you can go about your work.
If the party is too formal for that, then it's too formal to ask for shoes off.
2007-08-29 14:38:29 · answer #4 · answered by christnp 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In my house we have the same rule.
You simply say nicely " sorry, but we take out shoes off at home". You could also provide extra socks for your guests, that are clearly clean. Just buy a pack at a place like Kmart, or Costco.
If it is a formal party and you don't know the people very well, such as having coworkers over for the first time, then I would probably just suck it up for a night and let them keep their shoes on.
2007-08-29 14:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by lorarie 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just let them know polietly when they walk in the door that you have a no shoes policy. You can even make a joke about your floors being high matience or something. I also like the idea of presenting them with cheap flip flops but I think that would work better if you where having a theme party.
2007-08-29 14:23:27 · answer #6 · answered by Cryssy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People know coming into my house that shoes are off and most expect to take them off. It's a given with the people we socialize with who have similar homes. Even the service sector people who come into my home come with special shoe sleeves to put over their shoes. This is a norm not the unusual. Carpets are lighter, floors are hardwoods or porcelains and tiles. All could be damaged by bad weather or some foreign substance. In general, people are respectful of that. If this hasn't been your norm, you just state that shoes aren't worn in your house. Pick up some slip ons in one size fits all for your guests. They will appreciate it.
2007-08-29 14:28:01 · answer #7 · answered by dawnb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave a couple of nice pairs at the front door for people to take note of. Also answer the door barefoot or in socks.
You could also have a themed party where you provide all guests with a pair of slippers on arrival
2007-08-29 14:24:02 · answer #8 · answered by smile_girl 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Announce the party in advance as shoeless. Those who come, probably wont have as much as a problem as those who are surprised at the door. It also gives them a chance to wear their best socks instead of taking a chance wearing socks with holes in them. ( The only clean ones they may have).
Guaranteed the topic will probably rule the conversation off and on through the night.
2007-08-29 16:45:16 · answer #9 · answered by guitarrman45 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't sent the invites out yet, simply say, "We kindly request that shoes be removed at the door" at the bottom of it. (That way, you're giving your guests forewarning.)
If you have, a sign above your doorbell that day saying, "Please remove your shoes...but no switching to better shoes when you leave!" with a smiley face will get the message across in a light way.
Also, it helps to have some clean socks handy for those who want to keep something between their feet and the floor.
2007-08-29 15:08:26 · answer #10 · answered by JC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello Miss Alexis. Two ways I found successful.Have a sign just inside doorway stating-Please remove shoes. A friend of mine went one better. She provided a shoe rack, some talcum powder(for inside shoe), and a set of unisex slippers.Plus a sign stating-remove shoes please.The other thing you could also have would be a good coir mat, and a sign stating-please wipe feet before entering.Failing this, just live with it.
2007-08-29 14:27:47 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋