Q: I just had beautiful white carpet installed throughout my house. May I request that visitors remove their shoes?
A: Guests might not feel like you’re rolling out the carpet if they have to take off their shoes. If it’s an informal gathering with close friends or the weather is bad, it’s okay to ask. And if it’s your cultural custom, you should feel free to make the request. For a fancy occasion, you can’t expect your visitors to social comfortably in stocking feet. Still can’t bear the thought of a dirty carpet? Take advantage of the summer weather and entertain outside.
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Maybe it’s time we take a cue from some eastern countries and get used to the very sensible idea of removing our (possibly) filthy shoes. However, as a host you should provide house shoes at the entrance. Maybe for a formal party you could get some really nice ones!:) It used to be considered odd to ask someone to smoke outside, now no one blinks when that happens. So folks can adjust if you help them.
You could also put a dark colored rug near the front door during those parties.
I often don’t feel comfortable wearing shoes inside, even when it’s the house norm… I have no desire to track pesticides and other outdoor pollutants inside
You should put a sign up beside your door bell: Please take your shoes off
and provide slippers for your guests. If you’re having a party just put something over the rug, like another darker rug. It looks ugly but people sometimes DON’T want to take off their shoes.
White rugs? Even if people don’t come over they are going to get dirty.
I absolutely hate it when people ask me to take off my shoes, unless it is a cultural custom. I will remove my shoes graciously and not complain, but I think it’s rude that the host cares more about their carpet than the comfort of their guests.
What if your guests aren’t specifically invited guests?
The apartment building I live in was recently turned over to receivership. In taking over, some of the folks from the possible new management company stopped by, with permission, to check on the state of some of the apartments. The first time they did, I asked that they remove their shoes.
It was not only the management company, but people who work for one of the City’s Inspection departments. A couple of the men did remove their shoes, but the look on the faces of the others compelled me to tell them that they needn’t bother after all. (One still did, thankfully, but I felt sort of guilty about asking in the first place.)
Their visit did nothing to benefit me, it was solely for their records, and it was a short visit. I would’ve preferred not to have them in my home taking pictures. However, because of lawsuits the City has pending against the previous owners, and my own severe dislike of said owners, I agreed with the hope that something good would come of the preceding four years of torture.
On the second visit, I didn’t even bother to ask at all.
If anyone happens to still be reading this thread, an answer would be most appreciated.
Thank you most kindly!
You were entirely correct to ask them to remove their shoes; now, stick to your guns.
I believe that asking visitors to remove their shoes is a matter of circumstance. While daily “house rules” should apply to those who live there and possibly close family members and friends who frequent your home on a regular basis, these rules do not apply to a company of guests you have invited in to your home. I believe it to be entirely rude to ask company to remove their shoes for fear of my carpet getting dirty; that is a risk I am taking by having people over. I would never presume to ask those who have taken the time to dress appropriately for an event to undress. If I am concerned about my carpet becoming dirty, I would place an accent rug atop the main one. Concerning maintenance or similar matters; if their shoes will cause me to need to clean my carpets or floors (due to weather, etc), I do not believe it impolite to kindly ask them to remove their shoes. Some people may be perturbed, but again, I do not believe it impolite to request such a courtesy on such occasions.
It is rude to ask guests to disrobe in order to enter your home, unless they have exceptionally muddy boots. If you cannot afford to maintain your white carpet against the onslaught of guests, consider are more economical aternative. Some people have problems with foot odor and/or foot fungus, and should not be forced to endure the embarassment of removing their shoes to accomodate the fact that you don’t want to clean your flooring. I will remove my shoes if asked, or if it is obviously expected, but I will be uncomfortable the entire time.
It is definitely rude to ask guests to disrobe to enter your home, unless you are very, very close.