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taking shoes off

(235 Posts)
Bobbin Fri 04-Nov-16 13:41:39

The other day, my DH and I went for dinner at a friend's house with two other couples, so eight of us in total. They're fairly new friends as we've not long moved to the area, so it was the first time we'd visited their home.

It was a nice dinner party, so I wore a nice pair of shoes, tights and a dress. Then when I got there, my friend asked us both to take our shoes off and we went padding about in stocking feet (well, me anyway grin) as did the other couples.

my questio is, do you make guests take their shoes off if you're hosting something similar?

Ginny42 Tue 15-Nov-16 21:05:22

I have cream carpets throughout so I keep a pretty storage box by the front door with stretchy washable slippers of various sizes, so clean slippers every time.

Ana Tue 15-Nov-16 21:09:43

Not all people can walk properly in stretchy, washable slippers. I suppose they soon get to know where they're not welcome though!

(Why does no one ever answer the question about the Police, Ambulance crew or meter readers? Presumably they're exempt, no matter how filthy their shoes are!)

pensionpat Wed 16-Nov-16 09:20:35

My last job involved visiting older people in their homes. If there was a pale carpet I would always slip my shoes off. One day I visited a client who was a similar age to myself. I didn't see the need to de-shoe but he asked me to. I complied but, being summer I was not wearing tight. I felt naked and vulnerable sitting there in bare feet. I was glad to cover my feet to leave.

DaphneBroon Wed 16-Nov-16 09:27:21

I remember as a child visiting a very grand castle on the Rhine. We all had to put felt overshoes over our regular footwear to protect the wooden floors - and, we suspected, as a sneaky way of giving them a good polish especially as we children instantly started showing off our ice-skating skills!

Jalima Wed 16-Nov-16 10:29:48

I can't walk in little stretchy slippers. sad
and I would probably spill my brew or wine shock

Penstemmon Wed 16-Nov-16 16:38:34

Well I have read all the arguments for making guests pad about in slippers or socks but I still think it is a very odd thing to do!

Candlefran Wed 16-Nov-16 16:55:38

There was a huge splash of phlegm on the pavement when I went out the other day. I just avoided it! The bad weather brings out the coughs and chest infections.

alternativeageing Thu 17-Nov-16 10:40:15

I love Australia 'cause there everyone takes their shoes off as a matter of course! However, here in the UK it's not really accepted is it? I love it when guests offer to take their shoes off but I don't ask anyone to, it's just not the done thing here. Sadly! x

Jalima Thu 17-Nov-16 11:17:46

We don't take our shoes off in Australia hmm except on farms.
Perhaps we should!

Although only bedrooms seem to be carpeted and then not all are.