I think you should deffinately come with a nice pair of shoes in a bag and remove your booths... What would be your hot outfit without those hot Balenciaga shoes?

How about sock'ettes? ;)

Would never ask people to take shoes off! NEVER!

Invest in a good door mat & bring in the cleaning crew in the morning!

Shoes on. No question. I have no outfit that looks good without shoes.

Hmmm, I'm a fan of removing shoes. I do it without thinking. If the host tells me it's ok to leave them on or he/she is wearing shoes, then I'll leave mine on.

I voted "no biggie either way".   Reason being; as a guest I feel one should respect your host's wishes however as a Host;  'consideration works both ways'.    Some provision of optional footwear should be part of your Holiday Party planning.

I agree that people look silly without shoes when dressed up in a nice outfit, but since I am in the throngs of new motherhood, this year it will be the last thing on my mind. If I make it to your holiday party, I'll probably end up bare foot ok?

It's interesting the little differences;  Growing up in an Australian city then moving to rural Canada, everyone here automatically removes their shoes no matter the season.  While in au, we only did so when they were muddy, rural and city alike.

I'd remove my shoes in fear of offending the host!  :)

I usually know the people throwing the party and often I'll have been to their home, so I choose an outfit/shoes/socks based on the host's personality, the type of flooring they have (hardwood vs. carpet) and the size of the house/apartment.

If I indulge your holiday party efforts by dressing up, then I expect you to do the same by respecting my outfit.  ?!

I'm not sure I understand what is meant by this statement.  So you would be *indulging* me by accepting an invitation to a party at my house?  Forgive me for rephrasing this statement, but aren't you really saying that for you, an invite is all about showing off your outfit... rather than about seeing friends, enjoying someone's hospitality and bringing some positive energy along for the ride.  Maybe partying in a bar is more up your alley?

Okay, now that I've got that little snit out of the way, I'd like to suggest that you go where you think you'll have a good time and stay home if you don't think you will!

My house has 140 year old red pine floors that have seen a lot of life, but no stilettos, thanks!

It sounds like I may have hit a nerve with Don't Be a Heel!  What I meant by 'indulging a party effort' is simply dressing up to show respect for the occasion.  I don't know about others, but I think putting a little party outfit on shows the host that you've been looking forward to coming and are treating the eve as an occasion. Holiday duds are part and parcel of the season -- no one could argue that --  so why so cold to the unassuming stiletto?  

OMG... Stiletto are so 3 years ago!

PS... if you don't want shoes in your place... do not host or say it in the invite so we can dress accordingly ... Oh! and maybe provide slippers ! I have been to to many party with my feet freezing...

Making people take off shoes at a party is lame... sorry about your floors.

Too bad some heels don't appreciate an outfit (shoes included).

Shoes off? No way...I need my orthodics to walk.

Wear what you need to wear outdoors - and bring a change of shoes for indoors. Thats what I do. Who wants salt stains on their pieces of Art anyway?  Why have a party if you worry about your floor.  May as well cover up all your furniture in plastic while you're at it.  Things will spill. crumbs will drop. Dogs will puke. Deal. its a party. Nothing worse than a neurotic host.

Why all the furor? Why can't everyone use common sense? If your host gives the nod to shoes left on, it should be common sensical for the wearer to ensure that their soles are both clean and in good shape. I did hear about one party goer who walked all over someone's beautiful cherry floors with heels that were well worn, with the actual cobbler's nail exposed, and badly scratched the floor. No one noticed until someone commented. The wearer made no offer to pay for the damage. The host had to have the floors re-finished. Another case was someone who had dog faeces under their shoe which ended up on the host's persian carpet. I live in Ottawa, Canada and we have a lot of wet/cold/snowy weather. In the winter we wear boots and people are encouraged to bring shoes to wear. All other times, common sense prevails. If your soles are clean and in good condition, come on in!! If they're not, take them off. When I am the guest, and my host has made no indication as to preference, I ask before assuming and I always make sure that my shoed presence doesn't make me look like a 'heel'. Happy party season!

Not a subject to tread lightly upon, unless you like to go out in farmer regalia, replete with dung soiled soles, doffed foot apparel is a nicht nicht. Wear 'em in, and wear 'em good.

Oh Mitch, it's not a Question of the Week without your Bavarian wit!