Stashing Winter Coats and Boots

What do you do with your guests winter coats, boots and accessories during a party? Growing up, my sister and I were always in charge of taking coats to my parents bedroom and laying them out on their bed. My grandparents did the same thing during winter parties.

Other people I know clear off a rolling clothes rack and move it into the foyer so guests have easy access to their coats and hats.

What do you do?

Most parties and family gatherings I’ve been to use the “throw the coats on the bed” plan.  It can result in quite a tangle of coats by the end of the night, though, so I like the rolling rack idea.  I wonder if it would be easier to take your own coats out of the closet (hiding them away wherever you have room) and letting guests use that space during the party?

Boots tend to just pile up by the door.  I’ve never seen a good method for dealing with their wetness and mess - just a lot of mats and rugs and maybe a few towels to try to fight it.  I’d be interested in seeing if anyone has any clever solutions.