How do you get guests to take their shoes off when they come to your house?

Question

I am doing thanksgiving this year and it grosses me out when people come in the house with shoes because these shoes have been everywhere stepping on everything. We don't wear shoes inside and we all know that. However, many people wear shoes inside.

What is a polite way to tell guests or hint to them to take their shoes off? How can I make it comfortable for them to do so?

Answer 1

Well I live in Canada and it is customary. But just saying "Can you please take your shoes off" would work it's not offensive. Especailly if you have small children. Wearing your shoes in the house is very dirty.
And 've seen signs on doors saying "Please leave your shoes (here)" Thats a way you can get the point accross.

PLease dont listen to celeste, you really dont want what your guest have been walking through in all over your floor. Bacteria, poop, dirt, dust mites will populate like crazy then you'll have allergie problems. Yuck!

Answer 2

I agree with you that shoes need to be taken off at the door. Here's what has always worked for me:

1. Tell guests in advance of your rule, so they can wear good socks.
2. Line up some of your shoes near the door to help jog your guests' memories.
3. Set a good example. Walk around in your socks all day. Don't wear slippers and house shoes. Your guests won't mind being in stocking feet if you are in stocking feet as well.

Answer 3

I would call the guests before the party and let them know that you have a particular rule at your house that you'd like them to be aware of. Then they can decide whether or not to come to your house. Some people are uncomfortable taking off their shoes due to medical problems or hygiene issues. Don't surprise them at the door. What if someone put on some old ratty socks that morning, and then you ask him to take his shoes off and let all the other guests see the holes in his socks? I'd rather know beforehand that I would be taking my shoes off so I could wear some nice socks and maybe take a second shower before I went to the party.

Answer 4

Have a space by the door ready for shoes. Then when the guests come in, politely say, "Do you mind taking your shoes off? I have just cleaned the house and I don't want to track dirt all over."

Answer 5

Since you've invited them for a holiday, they must be familly or close friends, so just ask them. Some might get the hint when they see all the shoes by the front door. My brother and SIL used to do this when they had a home with white carpets. Most people fully understand and cooperate, some are annoyed, but it's your house, your rules.

Answer 6

My mom is Chinese, so we've always left our shoes off when we come inside someone's house out of habit (my friends tease me at parties that my flip flops are the only shoes by the door).

When she has guests over, she puts out a shoe rack next to the door and my brother and I put a few pairs in so that when people arrive they see the rack and put their shoes there.

If you have some extra money, make it a fun--buy some house slippers for each guest and have them at the ready so when people come in, they can change out of their dress shoes and into comfy house shoes!

Answer 7

Just say, I know there isnt room for everyones shoes at the door so i put a basket by the door, also, people, you can leave you coats in the guest bedroom on the bed, by the way, i have extra slippers for anyone who's feet get cold!!!

Answer 8

line some shoes up by the door to make it look like every one has done it, when guests see that, and the fact that your not wearing any shoes, they'll get it, and there are those guests who aren't afraid to tell others to take their shoes off, so count on those people too

Answer 9

1 You can place some pairs of your shoes near entrance door so people might think that they are suppose to take their shoes off since they do not know all pairs lying there are yours.
2 Place a small sign by your front door requesting to take shoes off.

Answer 10

All of our shoes are just there at the door. When we're getting guests, we just clear an area, and when we take their coats, we just point to the area and say you can leave your shoes there.