The most important thing to remember when buying fresh, unshucked oysters to eat at home is that they're still alive. That's a good thing. Here are some basic do's and don't's for buying and storing fresh oysters.

1. Seafood markets must display the date when oysters were harvested. Look for oysters no more than 5-6 days out of the water. Their shells should be closed and, when tapped, should not make a hollow sound. Smell oysters before buying them. If they smell dank, fishy or rotten, don't buy them.

2. Eat oysters as soon as possible after buying them, within a day or two.

3. Ideally, oysters should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit until you're ready to eat them. The fridge will do though. Put the oysters on a tray or plate with the round cup side of the oyster down. Cover them with a damp towel or cloth.

4. Do not soak unshucked oysters in water. (You can rinse them in cold water before shucking.)

5. Do not store oysters in a plastic bag or sealable container. They will suffocate.

6. When you're ready, make sure you know how to shuck an oyster.