I am going to a barbecue at a co-worker's home and she is requesting that guests remove their shoes in her home. I was planning on wearing sandals or Sperry boat shoes without socks, but now I'm not sure if I should bring a pair of socks to wear so I won't be barefoot when I have to take my shoes off. Would you say to go barefoot or wear socks when going to a "shoes off" party? Thanks so much! :)

Do what makes you comfortable. I would bring socks or slippers in case the house isn't clean. And since it's a barbecue, you might be going in and out of the house, so make sure your shoes are easy to slip into.

You work with them, why not just ask them what they think would be proper.

Okay, am I the only one that finds it odd that people have to request that guests remove their shoes before entering their home? I never leave my shoes on when I go into someone's home. I expect all people coming into my home to remove their outdoor footwear in the foyer.

Isn't it just polite to take your dirty outdoor shoes off in someone's home, or am I the weird one?

To the OP. Why not buy some cheap slip on slipper socks. They have grips on the bottom so they're better then socks (in case your host has hardwood or tile), and don't slip, and they're easy to get on and off. If you wear sandals, then you can leave the slipper socks on when you're going in and out of the house.

Its little naïve of your host to expect guests at a barbecue to remove their shoes in the house and also enjoy the barbecue which I presume is the garden. It seems to like its going to a continual shoes on and shoes off evening. I expect me guests to take their shoes off,as we do, but I don't expect them to be continually moving in and out of the house. I have never been into the barbecue scene but if one does not allow shoes in the house then an outdoor barbecue is a potential logistical nightmare and a continual source of anxiety for all concerned.

I do agree that when you're going in and out, it is a bit of a pain to take your shoes off, but it's not that bad. If you wear flip flops it takes seconds to get your shoes on and off, so I don't see the problem.

It sounds to me like the party is indoors, after the bbq is done cooking, they'll be mainly indoors. Am I wrong? That's the way I read the post.

If that's the case then I don't see the issue. It's just good manner to remove your shoes in someone's home.

I can understand a shoes-off-inside-the-house policy on normal days but with a party? That is a tad tedious for the guests! But since you said it's a barbecue, my guess is you're going to be outdoors most of the time. My best bet are flip-flops. But your sandals and boat shoes are still fine.

I agree, Alethia - in our household, household members and frequent guests like my son's friends take their shoes off at the door. When we have a party though, we all wear shoes and our guests may do as they like.

My father has a very difficult time putting his shoes on and off, and must have sturdy, lace-up shoes with certain orthotics, so he does not take his shoes off when he goes places unless he is specifically asked, but he will take great care to make sure not to track dirt - he will wipe them on the rug and if necessary, will even take his handkerchief out to clean them up a bit more. There are places where I don't like to remove my shoes - for example, my best friend is a horrible housekeeper - her carpets are disgusting and so I wear shoes, always, in her home.