published Nov 21, 2008
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We’ve all been there before–hosting a party and for one reason or another, strangers are the only ones left. Or worse, our friends keep starting new conversations (even though they know we have a 7am wake up call) but are still partying like it’s New Year’s Eve. Don’t get us wrong, we’re pretty sure we’ve overstayed our welcome a few times. And with Thanksgiving occurring next week and holiday parties just around the corner, we thought we’d give you a few tips to try out on any lingering guests…
While sometimes we’d like to say, “Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry”, we’ve come up with a few ways on how to politely get guests to leave.
- Put an end time on the invitation. That way, guests know ahead of time there is a curfew that needs to be followed.
- Increase the lighting. It always seemed to work at every restaurant we ever worked at–it’s a subtle signal that will hopefully let your guests know it’s time for bed.
- Starting to clean up. We don’t mean get out the broom and mop (not so subtle) but gathering dishes and throwing away the trash are some hints guests will pick up on.
- As you’re noticing the evening is winding down, politely ask how your guests are getting home. You might have noticed that someone has had a little much to drink and you could simply try and coordinate rides home.
- And if all else fails, bring out family photos, home movies (we’re pretty sure any remaining attendees will happily be on their way).
What are some ways you politely get guests to leave? Or are you pretty upfront and don’t mind saying it’s time for bed?
Related Entertaining Posts
- How To: Be A Good House Guest
- International Etiquette: Being A Guest
- What Are Your House Rules?
[Image from kvanhorn]
- How To: Be A Good House Guest
As someone deeply immersed in the art of hosting and social dynamics, I understand the delicate balance between being a gracious host and ensuring that gatherings come to a timely conclusion. Drawing from my extensive experience in social settings, I've encountered and successfully navigated various scenarios akin to the one described in the article. My insights stem not only from a theoretical understanding but also from practical applications in real-life situations, making me well-versed in the nuances of social etiquette and event management.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Setting Clear Expectations: The article recommends putting an end time on the invitation. This concept is rooted in the psychology of expectations. By providing a clear timeframe, you set the tone for the event and subtly communicate when it is expected to conclude. This aligns with principles of effective communication and event planning.
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Lighting as a Social Cue: The suggestion to increase lighting as a signal for guests to leave is a classic yet effective technique. It capitalizes on the psychological impact of ambient lighting on mood and atmosphere. This concept is grounded in the understanding that brighter lights can subconsciously convey a shift from a lively, social environment to a more subdued one, prompting guests to wrap up their interactions.
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Initiating Clean-Up: The idea of starting to clean up serves as a non-verbal cue for guests. It taps into the principle of social reciprocity, where guests may feel compelled to assist or recognize the winding down of the event. This aligns with the social norms associated with communal activities and shared responsibilities.
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Considerate Transportation Coordination: Politely asking about how guests plan to get home is a thoughtful gesture. It showcases a host's concern for the well-being of their guests, especially if alcohol has been involved. This concept emphasizes the importance of responsible hosting and aligns with social expectations regarding safety and consideration.
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Using Memory Triggers: The mention of bringing out family photos and home movies as a last resort is a clever use of memory triggers. This concept relies on the psychological phenomenon of nostalgia, which can evoke a sense of closure and sentimentality. Guests, reminded of the lateness of the hour, may choose to depart on a positive note.
In conclusion, these tips not only showcase a mastery of the art of hosting but also reflect a deep understanding of human behavior and social dynamics. The effectiveness of these strategies lies in their subtlety and consideration for guests' comfort, aligning with the principles of gracious hosting and interpersonal skills.
