I seriously ride the fence on this issue, and have been dying to do a post on it for a while. I would really appreciate some comment love on this one. Some discussion. Feedback. Yes, I'm being needy.
Issue: To ask or not to ask. That is the question. I think its rude either way. It's a lose-lose in my opinion.
You're rude if you ask.
You're rude if you don't (at least offer, for the sake of the home owners who so graciously invited you to their home to) take them off.
Yes, people. The issue of shoes.
I strive (despite all the odds) to keep a clean house. We take our shoes off when we enter. I was raised in a home where you didn't touch the walls, and you removed your shoes upon entering. We took great care of our home. We were taught to respect things. I feel the same way about my own home. However, I have a problem with actually asking people to take their shoes off. Even if we did just have the carpet shampooed. I think its rude. Either way.
I have surrendered to the fact that this is simply how it is. If you want to have a nice get together, you don't ask people to take their shoes off. The price one must pay for entertaining. But...
My brother, who is OCD, recently presented this side of the coin (which seriously disturbed me): Think about men walking around in public restrooms, stepping in urine, feces, and who knows what else, and then tracking it into your home. On your floors. Where your baby crawls. Your baby then puts things into her mouth. With exposed hand...gross....
Is it madness? Or is there a valid point?
Decorno recently discussed the same issue on her blog. It turns out people are quite passionate about both. She said: (I think this was stated quite, uh, honestly)
"6. Asking me to take my shoes off at your house. This is my OFFICIAL announcement to all my friends that if you like your carpet or your hardwood floors more than you like me to be comfortable (and by comfortable, that means, keeping on the clothes and accessories I deemed nice enough to wear to your party) then that means you should not invite me.
The shoes-off requirement is so completely offensive. I want to ask these people when exactly did they buy their house at a Christie's auction?? Because only a house with that kind of pedigree could be so precious that it would need to be defended against my Louboutins."
If you like snarky, you'll like her blog. Fabulous taste, btw.
So I guess that paints a pretty picture on both sides. What do you think?
I've decided to get over it and have the carpets cleaned on a regular basis. This includes vacuuming and mopping after my guests leave. This keeps everyone (except myself) happy...and isn't that, essentially, what entertaining is about?
Kind of like wearing a nice pair of shoes that cut into your feet but look fabulous with an outfit...all for the sake of fashion...