Surely one of the stickiest moments of even the finest of parties is when the host is ready for the guests to leave and they aren’t so sure. Things can get out of hand as once happened to President Andrew Jackson at his inauguration party back in 1829. Things got so wild he had to climb out his bedroom window and flee to a nearby hotel. His guests would not leave until the next day when coaxed out on the lawn for some punch and goodies served by a harried White House staff. Once I attended a party and the host cut all the lights in the room where things were happening and simply said, “good night.” This seems a bit subtle. Are there other things you do and still keep the friends you invited to your home in the first place?
Avoid overfeeding your guests. Taking root on someone else’s couch is easy when bellies are full and it’s cold outside. Keep a large chiming clock nearby. (Borrow one if necessary.) Set the clock slightly ahead and in a place where your guests can see it, like a mantle, as a reminder of the late hour. (If your guests have been drinking a bit too much, you can set the clock ahead ten minutes every other time they turn their heads. Soon, you too, will forget what time it really is!)
Don’t tell any of your guests that it’s too early to leave if one of them gets up to go home. You may convince them that it is and find yourself in deep trouble. Ask, “Shall I make another cup of coffee?” Nine times out of ten, they’ll say, “Oh no, we should be going.” If all else fails, ask your guests if they would like to stay over. That will get most of them out the door.
Have a good time but learn how to say goodbye. After all, someone has to clean up and you need your sleep!
Related Reading:
http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t3683