Comments on: How to End a Dinner Party with Style and Grace

By: Wise Advice for Your Biggest Hospitality Fears

Wise Advice for Your Biggest Hospitality Fears — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:35:49 +0000

[…] about fostering meaningful conversations? Read THIS from me. Listen to THIS podcast from Michael […]

By: Janmary, N Ireland

Janmary, N Ireland — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:32:27 +0000

My grandfather, when he decided his guests had stayed long enough, would exclaim “My, is that the time?” and would unsubtley start to wind up the cloak and put the fireguard on the fire. The visitors soon got the hint!

By: Kristin

Kristin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:29:48 +0000

Hmmm…very true. I’m a night owl, so there usually isn’t such a thing as “too late” for me, but there have been times when we’ve needed to wrap things up, and didn’t know how. Thanks for the tips!

By: Ann

Ann — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:01:51 +0000

Terrific post and this has been a great series! Your tips on helping guests realize it’s time are terrific. I’ve actually done all of these. We have two friends – that we love dearly – that do not have the social skills needed to recognize the signs. We, literally, have to tell them it’s time to go home…..staying 8 hours at a dinner party is a wee bit long!

By: Lori @ RecipeGirl

Lori @ RecipeGirl — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:09:22 +0000

What do I do with my husband, who never wants to leave a party?!? We were the very last people to leave our wedding too :) At home, I usually just start doing the dishes at some point and that gives folks a little hint that things are winding down.

By: Pinky

Pinky — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:03:45 +0000

Thanks for the tips, Sandy. My problem is my daughters in-laws. They are NEVER on time, ever! Yesterday we asked everyone to come at 2 so we could ahve snacks and open presents then eat around 4:40. They never arrived til 3:30 ans never have an explanation either. PLUS they were bringing a snack, and it was to go in the oven but dinner was already in there so we couldn’t have their snack! I have no idea how to overcome ths problem. It is frustrating to say the least. Hope you had a WONDERFUL Christmas. I follow every post but only comment sporadically. XO, Pinky

By: brie.

brie. — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:18:56 +0000

i hear what you’re saying! we usually start talking about what people have on the next day at work, and voila – they remember they need to go home!

By: Kim @ Homesteader's Heart

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:48:37 +0000

I start yawning. LOL! Just kidding. If I’m hosting something, I really try to do it on a day when we don’t have to get up early the next morning, that way the party can run it’s course.
HUGS!

By: Heather @ new house, new home, new life

Heather @ new house, new home, new life — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:41:05 +0000

My ex-husband would just get up and go to bed. Back in those days it didn’t make any difference to the party, it just kept on going!

Nowadays as we get older and so do our guests, I usually send out an invitation with an end time. That usually sets the tone for the dinner to end at a certain time. Honestly though it’s not usually a problem – if I start clearing up, start talking about what needs to be done tomorrow and ask them how long their drive home will be, my guests will usually get the signals.

By: Melinda Stanton

Melinda Stanton — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:26:52 +0000

Lol Sandy your husband sounds like ine, who says, “if I didn’t live here I’d go home so the people who did could go to bed!”