No, but I also don't put out bullets.

I put them outside. If I don't, I find butts in my potted plants, on my walkway, or in my dog's mouth. And these are "good friends."

@minihaus, in your analogy, bullets = cigarettes, yes? But AT is asking about ashtrays. So... yeah.

Yebb, I do, and everyone of our friends use it - except for one of my hubbies close friends, who happens to come by quite often. He will look at all the other guests use the ashtray and yet ash right on my balcony floor and then toss the stub over the railing! And I have to go down to the shared garden and pick them up!
He even commented once, when he got back inside, on how funny the ashtray is (it's a cross-eyed cat with a bow-tie and a hat) so I know he knows it's there! So annoying!

Wow, it felt good to vent! hahahaha

Most of the smokers I've known don't like smoking inside either and always go outside (or try to at least lean out a window.) Before he quit, my father used to smoke in the bathroom with the exhaust fan turned on.

Oh, and I don't own an ashtray but I'll give someone a can or something if they need one. I just don't know many smokers.

I place an ashtray by an open window. Works pretty well.

I don't own an ashtray, so no.

Weird that you combined the shoe issue with the ashtray one--what do they have to do with each other?

The few people I know who smoke would never consider lighting up in my house--they'd go out to the patio or driveway and use a beer bottle for the ashes. We live in a city with a pretty sweeping smoking ban, so smokers are used to being banished to the outdoors. And even then, there are some outside areas that are off-limits!

What's an ashtray?!!! Just kidding... but we don't even own one and will not get creative with drink cans or soda bottles - yech!

i don't know many smokers, so i don't even have an ashtray. i'd definitely provide something sturdy OUTSIDE, though, if any of my friends were gross enough to smoke. :)

I can't recall the last time a smoker came over.... maybe 10 years ago?

at any rate, I don't own an ashtray. I would put a cup lined with foil outside. definitely no smoking indoors.

I wouldn't FORCE someone to remove their shoes, but I would prefer it. We don't wear shoes at home.

after I got tired of finding butts in my plants on our rooftop deck, I decided something had to be done, but I didn't like the idea of purchasing an actual "ashtray". So I went to the vintage shop, found a pretty ceramic bowl I liked that was about three dollars, and there ya go!

yes ashtray outside if anyone wishes. I do have many Europeans that visit me from time to time and I will smoke with them but does anyone still smoke inside? I did have a great flight to a remote part of mexico and I smoked on the plane just because I could.

I have a few friends that I know are smokers, so I picked up an ashtray over the summer to put out on the patio when they were over. If I didn't specifically know that someone was a smoker, I'd probably forget about the ashtray...

I'm an occasional (read: drinking) smoker, and when I have people over, I will indulge their habits for their comfort. An ashtray is always on the bottom step outside so I don't have to pick up butts the next day.

I put an old jar or can outside, if I don't, I'll find butts all over my porch. I can't imagine someone lighting up inside.

I don't smoke inside, so you can't either.

My husband & I don't smoke, but we know plenty of people who do. For parties we put out a little bowl my sis made in ceramics class in high school with a little kitty litter in it on the patio table. It ends up being the spot where everyone gathers anyhow.

I love smoking and my husband all of our friends smoke. We have never smoked indoors no matter how rainy and cold it is. Unfortunately I recently became pregnant and went right off the smell of smoke so that means not even the out door space can be a smoking area. I hope once the baby is out I'll be able to be reasonable again with the smell of smoke. If there is one thing I can't stand is an anti smoking nazi!! hehehehe

I've considered buying ashtrays from the thrift store just to have on the patio for parties - just another thing for the comfort of our guests. But then, my husband and I are not smokers, so owning ashtrays seems weird. The little bowl idea is nice, but I'd be worried that people wouldn't guess its intended purpose.

It's not a big deal though, all my smoking guests have always been very respectful, using a soda can or an extra flower pot saucer or bringing their butts to the trash inside.

We use a terracotta pot (with a drainage hole) turned upside-down on a terracotta saucer on the porch. When finished with a cigarette, one can simply pop it into the hole. inadequate of oxygen inside the pot extinguishes it quickly, the ugly butt is out of sight, and the "ashtray" itself doesn't stick out like a sore thumb since it sits near other terracotta containers filled with plants.

Not just no but HELL no. Also, no smoking outside around my house. I have no problems telling people that either. My Mr's friends that smoke go out by their own car and do it.

We put ashtrays out on the porch. I love having an excuse to pull out my cute vintage ashtrays I acquired back when I used to smoke.

i wish i didnt have to put ashtrays outside but all my friends smoke. jerks.

Of course. I don't judge people for their personal decisions.

Plus, I smoke.

I have a set of tiny herb pots full of dirt (and dead herbs) that I use as an ashtray along with one I made when I was about 4.

If I had friends who smoked, they'd be more than welcome to smoke outside. But in my circle, not one of us smokes anymore. We all quit in our twenties.

YAY Bruce563 preach it.
I HATE smoking, not because I like to judge people, but because I grew up with two smoking parents--it was all smoking, all the time... in the house, in the car (no windows open). I can't even look at a cigarette butt now without feeling nauseated.
Smokers don't realize how much they stink, and how much their homes stink. And nothing smells worse than a smoker who has gone out in the cold to smoke, then comes inside--it seems to intensify the horrid smell, which clings to their clothing. GAG!!!
I work with kids, and the ones whose parents smoke just come in every day REEKING. so sad.
And Paley"I love to smoke"girl, now that you're pregnant, maybe YOUR ability to tolerate the smell of smoke is the least of your concerns.

I actually never considered it for the same reason I don't put out clean needles for possible junkies.

As a life-long asthmatic, I would've LOVED to have been born with a healthy set of lungs and don't tolerate fools who abuse theirs.

Yes, smokers have a right to choose. Yes, if you want to smoke you can. No, I don't have to make it easier for you.

Sorry!

MrsCatbird - a bowl with a bit of sand or kitty litter is usually a pretty good sign that it's an ashtray but if you want to be sure, put a lighter by it and most people will get the clue.

Good signal so that your friends (acquaintances) know exactly where to put their cig butts.

I'm a smoker (unfortunately and to those militants out there, it's one of the hardest substances to stop so yeah, many years later some of us still "use") and I despise just throwing my butts anywhere. If there's not a place to throw them out (pouring part of my drink on it for double duty), I make sure it's completely out and ask the host if I can throw it in their main trash can - usually in a garage.

I have some friends who are addicts. Addicted to sugar, that is. And they eat dessert outside. I know it might lead to disease or even cancer, but I still let them do it. Why should smoking outside be any different?

haha I know why it's different... and I know my analogy is flawed, but seriously... it's not too far off base.

seriously people, you be crazy. if you don't like smoking, then don't do it. if you don't want people smoking at your house, then don't let them. enough with the preaching. everyone knows its bad for you... so is eating too much fat and drinking booze. get OVER yourselves.

Love the shoe ash tray. I wish I had one for my friends that smoke!

Are you serving cancer-causing alcohol at your parties? Fatty or sugary foods? Do you serve more than one or two alcoholic beverages in an evening to a friend who is driving? If so, maybe can the sanctimony. Yes, we put out a souvenir ashtray I picked up in Berlin a few years ago.

you said it BetterBombshell!

i let my guests all put their "holier than thou" attitudes out in whatever they want. long as they don't bring that harmful stuff indoors!

None of my friends smoke. Good thing, too, since I have asthma.

I dislike smoking immensely. That said, being a good host requires that all your guests needs are accommodated, not just the ones you like. I like to set out an outdoor space in which they can enjoy themselves. I try to make the space warm and inviting, so as not to make my smoking guests feel that they are being banished. Multiple ashtrays encourage movement, so set up a few so they don't huddle. Also, I set up chairs, warm lighting, and even an outdoor heater so they will feel comfortable. Remember, you want everyone to enjoy themselves!

the problem is outside smoke doesn't always stay outside. plus that smell clings to people's clothes when they come back in. (and who knows what's clinging to the bottom of peoples' shoes) yuck!

I used to smoke and very, very occasionally have one now and then, but no one I know smokes inside. We have a pretty widespread smoking ban (inside bars, inside cars with children, outside hospitals) along with all the usual places so we're all pretty used to suffering through the cold winters outside with a cigarette, haha.

I live in an apartment, so everyone goes outside to smoke if they're here. As I don't have a balcony, I don't provide anything because it would have to sit outside near the sidewalk and would probably get stolen.

I think if you're having guests over for a party of some sort though, you should always provide something. For the commenter that doesn't let people smoke on their property, is it any better when they put the cigarette out on the road in front of your house? Or your neighbours driveway? You don't have to like smoking and be as judgey and mean as you want, but an ashtray cuts down on discarded cigarette butts in the general public.

Wait--what? Smoking's BAD for you?

Next, you guys are going to tell me that drinking alcohol or eating fat (with my shoes off, of course; I mean, what am I, a heathen?) is bad for me. Is nothing sacred??

Wow. I'm not even a smoker and the sanctimony here is turning my tummy.

Smoking is awesome. I quit and I still totally miss it. Vintage ashtrays are also awesome. I use them for jewelry and catch-alls (some of them are huge - I have a leaf-shaped mid-c modern one shaped like a leaf that's about 16" long). What's not awesome are people who judge smokers and then bum off them at these parties after a few drinks, or who go outside with the smokers because they are the most fun people and they want to latch on, but then blow their hands in front of their faces and complain about the smoke.

If you don't provide an ashtray at your party (yes, your ceramic bowls and such are not quite as good, but just fine and appreciated), you deserve to have butts on your walkway and in your potted plants. No, of course people should not smoke inside a non-smoking home, and smokers don't necessarily want to litter, but they are going to find their way outside and gather and have a lot of ciggies.

When there are no ashtrays, smokers who are trying not to litter are forced to get resourceful and use bottles, cans, or the worst, a plastic cup with water in the bottom. First, using these things totally sucks, and you're a bad host. Not as bad as the host who makes you take your shoes off at a party, but bad nonetheless. Second, trust me, you are only hurting yourself, as smelling those the next day is a hell of a lot worse than having to dump a dry and much less stinky ashtray out.

Instead of complaining about someone who smokes off the balcony and ignores your cat ashtray, just ask them to please use the ashtray. They may think it's some precious possession of an extreme cat lover.

OH, if you are thinking of getting an ashtray for your addicted friends, get one with high sides - it's less likely to let ashes blow everywhere.

When I smoked (over ten years ago), I had a beautiful collection of vintage ashtrays. I've donated most of them to charity, but I have retained a couple for guests. I even permit them to smoke inside, because I don't mistreat guests by judging and shunning them like most of the people here who really sound super fun and not at all self-righteous for taking such a daring stand against smoking. I do miss something about my ashtrays, which are no longer out unless needed. A new vintage ashtray was always such an easy way to change a tabletop and infuse new visuals into my home.

I know hardly anyone who smokes, and no one I have invited around has ever wanted to smoke anywhere near my property. If they did I would ask them to stand on the road outside, I think, as I don't want the dog eating the butts or the smell anywhere near my house. I don't own an ashtray but could probably provide something temporary to stick them in. It's just not a problem I have ever come across.

It's kinda funny that everyone is whining about ~omg the sanctimony~ about smoking, but you'll flip out if something is from IKEA and not ~vintage~? Yeah okay.

No smoking indoors EVER. and if you choose to go outside and smoke at my place, you can take care of your own butts by putting them out and then throwing them out, not leaving an ash tray for me to clean. Scumbag smokers throwing their butts all over the place (streets, plants, sidewalks, etc) are disgusting.

I recall a topic like this not so long ago on AT. More about do you let people smoke at your home? or something. Anyway, people droned on and on and on about the subject, most not sticking to the subject at all, but blathering on about how bad smokers were, or how bad non-smokers were...

Sort of like the comments above, actually.

This is a topic that can't be discussed in a decent manner. Too many strong opinions, I guess, and it always deteriorates into name calling and insults. People don't seem to know how to discuss touchy topics with others anymore and just will not be civil.

I don't smoke, and I have a sensitive sense of smell, I do not like the scent. I hardly know anyone that smokes but my boyfriend (live-in) does, but he smokes outside. In fact, the very few people I know that smoke would never smoke in doors even in their own homes. The smoke gets in the walls and fabrics. I used to help my mom who had a cleaning business, once cleaned a retirement home with her, washing the windows and walls it was insane to see the yellow-black mess that would come off from the smokers rooms...

That being said, I have nothing against smokers, and they would have to smoke outside and that seems cool with them. Even they know how gross it is to smoke indoors which is why they don't smoke indoors in their own homes.

I am completely fine with other addictions, just as long as they don't give off fumes/smoke that gets into the walls and fabrics and makes the place smell.

Dear Ms. Pea and thebradseed and LizinCo,

I would very much like to go to parties with you/have you over for parties anytime. You can wear your shoes, buy stuff from IKEA instead of vintage (Say whaaaa???), and smoke around me without being called gross anytime.

Becky

PUT OUT ASHTRAYS! My neighbor above did not and left my patio filled with cigarette buts...he kindly offered to pick them up the following day...however, its just common sense? It's also common sense to not throw your cig over the railing... that just shows how stupid and inconsiderate some people are!

Although I don't have a vendetta against smoking like some, there is a difference between smoking and eating dessert. Eating dessert doesn't hurt the people around you. Second hand smoke is bad, please remember that.

And on the topic... smoking outside is fine by me. I don't have an ashtray, but I think finding a cute vintage ashtray to put on my patio table could be fun.

I love how people throw around the word "sanctimony," and whine about how you wouldn't prohibit your guests from drinking or having dessert, which is also unhealthy.
HELLO, there is a really good reason for the criticism of smoking... YOUR smoking affects ME!!!
You want to risk your health??? go ahead!!!
I don't want to smell you doing it!
I believe in making my guests comfortable, BUT I can't stand the stench, and I don't want to risk MY health for your comfort. AND in my experience, many smokers are perversely oblivious to where their disgusting butts end up... who mentioned putting the kitty ashtray out, and the butts still ended up elsewhere? typical.
last grossest place I noticed: some butts stubbed out in a tray of bubble stuff and bubble wands. I don't want it around me!

baba yaga, how are you oh so positive that your odor is not offensive to others?

I smoke, and if I go to a party where smoking is not allowed or only allowed outside or in the garage, I always respect the host's wishes. And I always dispose of my cigarette butts in an appropriate place -- if I have to douse them with water and throw them in an inside trash can, I'll do that rather than throw them on the ground.

Smoking inside public places is illegal in the vast majority of larger American cities, so those of you who are all worked up about second-hand smoke need to calm yourselves. Maybe focus your unhealthy obsessing over other people's behavior toward their hand-washing habits? Tooth-brushing, perhaps?

The cigarette and the shoe issues ARE related.

My (few) friends who smoke don't even ask, they just take themselves outside. I have no idea what they do with their ashes (it just never crosses my mind), though I'd be more than happy to supply something for an ashtray if they asked. We don't have actual ashtrays, but I'm sure if I put it in the dishwasher it would be sterilized. :)

Everyone on their first visit to our house gets to keep their shoes on - I don't mention our shoes-off policy unless they volunteer. If they're close enough friends to come twice, I figure I can ask their cooperation. Usually people notice the shoes in the entryway and ask.

Last year, we had a party on a rainy night, and a second-hand invitee went out to smoke multiple times, apparently was unable to keep on the sidewalk and tracked his muddy boots all over the living and dining room. We spent the rest of the weekend steam cleaning and cursing his name. Or would have, if we'd gotten it.

but dear MegP, I (like all the others) am talking about
what goes on in MY house!
And my concern about my health in my house is an "unhealthy obsession"???
stop being so defensive. I don't care if you smoke!
Have at YOUR unhealthy obsession! Just not in my house or yard.

My best friend and my in-laws still smoke, so I picked up a glass ashtray at Dollar General for $.25 one day. Easy fix and everyone's happy (they usually clean up after themselves).

Actually Baby Yaga, you were talking about what my concerns are now that I'm pregnant. Well its true, my ability to tolerate smoke is the least of my concerns (although it wasn't when I was suffering from morning sickness- it was actually one of the top concerns as my nausea was all consuming).

What is currently at one of the top of my concerns is bringing a baby into a world of judgmental, dogmatic freaks who try to impose their stoic viewpoints onto other people and get offended when other people might voice a different opinion. (please notice my lack of exclamation marks because I'm able to convey a calm and rational sentence)

If I was you I would stop worrying about what my list of concerns should be and start to consider what kind of "guests" I invited into my home before I tarnished all smokers with negative stereotyping.

I know you are emotional at this time, but
grow up. you're going to be a mom.

I like the idea of the ashtray in the photo!

Assume it's an actual ashtray- where oh where could I find this please? Thank you!

(yes, guests are allowed to smoke... outside)

Baba Yaga, you're a freak, get loose...

blumbkaatt,
you must be a smoker.
It's ok. I know that when some of you feel
criticized, you go on the attack.
But name calling is so childish.

If it's especially freezing I sometimes set aside a spot by the backdoor that people can mingle and smoke. In both my last apt and my current that means the kitchen... which doean't work if you're in and out actually prepping food, but if it's more or less just a place to retrieve things stashed in the fridge or pantry then I don't mind. It helps to put up a curtain to contain the smoke (and any little mess you've not finished cleaning up before the party gets started) and a small fan to blow the smoke out a window/ door. The cold coming in isn't too big a factor since most parties tend to make small spaces over heated.

Eew no thanks. If you want to smoke, you go outside. I don't want my apartment stinking. Besides, my building is supposed to be no smoking.

by now even smokers know it's a nasty habit. a party is not the time to remind everyone your friend is slowly killing themselves. i also don't put out a gun for people to play russian roulette.