So, I had an interesting request this week and my first response was, “OH LADY YOU ARE SO CANADIAN!” Because here’s the thing, Canadians take their shoes off upon entering a house. Always. Americans, however, do not. Ever. So, this particular friend was saying that while she wants everyone to take their shoes off when they come inside her new home, she’s too embarrassed to ASK THEM TO. So, she and I were discussing solutions…and, hoo boy, have I got some for her!
Just let this sign do the talking for you!
Or this one!
Or this one!
Or if you are feeling slightly MORE daring…you can make one yourself!
Extremely fascinating. I like the way you publish. Do you at present have an RSS feed?
Just an FYI, if you are visiting the Pacific Northwest be prepared to take off your shoes. Not in every house but many so avoid old socks. Also if you wear your Uggs without socks, you might want to tuck some in your bag because the floors can be cold with all the hardwoods.
I find that so gross that someone would not remove their shoes, all manner of things would get tracked in. I guess I am just a proud Canadian!! Love the signs!
Hey Ali! LOVE your site! How do I send you a question???
Loved the little sign idea so much that I made one years ago because my husband’s family NEVER took off their shoes. Then later it just became one more thing for them to dislike about me– I overheard my sister-in-law complaining about it. You just can’t win.
I knew someone who bought lots of those cute chinese slippers and kept them in the front closet. She would offer them to guests who felt they needed shoes.
I always ask people to remove their shoes, as when they enter my home, it is through the “mudroom” off my kitchen…sorry but it’s just good manners.
In response to your question..
(NOT taking shoes/boots/or, whatever off, whilst attending at party, cuz, you know.. You put a LOT of effort in the WHOLE look.)
Absolutely not! Upon entering someone’s home, IF it is KNOWN that shoes are off upon entering, then this rule applies even IF there is a function/party.
Are you kidding me..? Not only are you completely ignoring your host/hostesses “house rules”, by keeping your shoes on, you are ultimately saying to them, I don’t care how you feel, I don’t care what you think, I don’t care about you and your home. I’ll do as “I” please. Even IF I’m at someone else’s home. Which, btw, you do not run nor dictate in. (P.S. Good luck in getting an invite back after that! ) LOL
So, uless they have specifically invited you to KEEP those dirty shoes on, they come off sister! lol
I would have assumed everyone would KNOW this is not only common courtesy but, common sense!
IF you are “completing” a “look”, al’a footwear, it is BEST to bring them with you and put them on once inside. (I know.. Changing from one pair of shoes or boots into another, is so.. ridiculous right..?) However, IF this is not your home, it is best to abide by rules of your host/hostess, otherwise you will appear ignorant and selfish.
Taking shoes off upon entering a home is NOT a purely “Canadian” thing. And yes, other countries do this SAME thing. Depends I suppose on the fine manners and etiquette we are raised with. Perhaps, one could even say this may have something to do with “class”. (Both literally and figuratively)
Regards,
Mild mannered- Miss Manners 😉
Because I am American, I didn’t know of this unwritten take-off-your-shoes law when I moved to Canada, and probably insulted many people, including my inlaws. So now, I have learned…because taking my shoes off is WEIRD for me, and because I am short, i wear heels A LOT…I always wear shoes and bring another pair of shoes to wear inside. People are usually okay with this.
Okay, but ladies, you have to agree that shoes should be left on for house parties/gatherings/dinners, right? It’s part of the look you tried to put together before you left the house, and who wants to look at your pantyhose or bare feet?
My inlaws are American, and I’ve only recently been successful with getting my FIL to take off his shoes. Having my daughter crawl around on the floor wasn’t enough of a worry without him tracking in the outside too!! So – I just bought him a pair of comfy running shoes (he wont wear slippers!) that he wears ONLY in my house, never outside. They live here for him. Now my then baby is 3.5 and reminds grampa to put on his runners because her baby sister of 8 months is on the floor and doesn’t want his ‘shoe-germs’ from outside! ~Tee hee…
Even in snowy, rainy parts of the US? I would be pissed.
Good to know the next time I go to Canada.