1. Start cleaning. Put the food away and go around with a trashbag collecting whatever there is to clean up. You can even dim the music. Some guests will take the hint and help you clean and others will simply start leaving.
A more subtle version of this would be to look at a clock, exclaiming, "Oh! Where did the time go?" and ask your last guests to help put away the dishes.
2. Here's a bold one for that last couple still standing: come out with your robe. A change of clothes means a change of role - you're no longer the host, you're just a person, in their home, on their way to bed.
Related: 15 Clever Tricks for Simple Hosting
3. Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas has a polite and transparent ending speech for you: "It’s been really nice to have all of you here together tonight. I am getting a bit sleepy from the exciting evening and I am going to have to call it a night very soon. I hope you have enjoyed yourself and I look forward to seeing you again soon."
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A less direct and more humorous phrasing is something like, "Hey guys, it's been a lovely evening. I'm going to bed now, there are blankets in the hamper if you need to crash." Hopefully, no one will stay the night, and your generous tone will leave a good impression.
4. If you send invitations ahead of time, you can state the ending time of the party, along with your address and beginning time.
Related: The Essential Food Tips for Any Hosting Event
5. Go out with a flash: turn the lights on, dim down the music, and invite everyone to a concluding group photo. After that, start saying your goodbyes. If you hand out boxes of food leftovers, make sure they're well prepared by then.
6. And finally, here are some songs that may set the "end of the party" mood:
- Kiss From a Rose by Seal
- Purple Rain by Prince
- Closing Time by Semisonic
- Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis
- Thank You for the Music by ABBA
- The Party's Over by Peggy Lee.
H/T: HuffPost
