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."
Source
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
9 Surprising Holiday Injuries and Ways to Prevent Them
In this post, we list 8 of the most common holiday injuries and ways to avoid them.
The Most Underrated Christmas Movies You Never Saw
This holiday season, enjoy these underrated Christmas movies.
Become the Perfect Host With These 15 Clever Tricks!
Hosting friends and family for meals or birthday parties is fun but also tiring at times. With these 15 tips, you can now easily and effortlessly entertain!
Ever Wondered What Presidential Meals Look Like?
State dinners are more than a fancy meal. Here's a brief look at what goes on inside presidential state dinners.
Use These Tactful Responses When People Push Food on You
The next time some loved one tries to push food on your plate forcefully, use these tactful responses.
How Can I Make Christmas More Affordable? - 12 Smart Tips
Save money this Christmas with these useful tips and hacks.
I Use Grandma's Old Trick for Cleaning Copper Pots
This is how to easily clean your copper pots.
Eating Out? How to Pick the Healthier Meals
If you're looking to stay on a healthy diet, we have compiled some recommendations for you regarding what to look out for in various international cuisines.
5 Natural Solutions to Keep Unwanted Insects Away
These illustrations will show you how to reduce your pest problems in your garden.
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
How to Deal with an Emotional Extortionist
Emotional extortionists (also known as "Emotional Vampires") are people who prey on other people's emotions, knowingly or unknowingly, to get what they want.
There's a Secret Trick to Understanding Chinese...
This brilliant lecture will teach you the basics of Chinese
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
How to Deal With a Narcissist in Your Life
This article will provide essential information on how to identify these subtypes and offer effective strategies for dealing with different situations in life.
Wow! Check Out These 12 Unexpected Uses of Home Appliances
From steaming towels in a rice cooker to cooking salmon in a dishwasher, these alternative functions are bound to amaze you!
Struggling with Sleep? These YouTube Channels Can Help
The next time you struggle with sleep, try these YouTube channels.
How to Clean 'Dry Clean Only' Clothes at Home
Dry cleaning can be a huge hassle, as well as quite the expense, which is why it is so much better to do it yourself at home...
These Easy Fruit Arrangements Are So Refreshing...
A collection of 13 summery delights that will both please the eyes as well as the pallet.
Guide: How to Clean Your Car's Side Mirrors so They Shine
This article provides a detailed guide as to how to best clean your car's side mirrors.
These Aromatic Oils Will Do Wonders For Your Sleep
I've suffered with sleep problems for years, and no treatments seemed to work until I stumbled across this one. Take a look.
You Definitely Should Try These Amazing Cleaning Hacks
If blotches and stains are putting an dampener on how the interior of your home looks, be sure to learn these 20 unusual but super neat hacks.
Dermatologist Shares Tips on Applying Makeup to Aging Skin
As we age, our skin changes and with it, the way we apply our makeup. Learn some tips on how to do this from dermatologist Dr. Cynthia Bailey.
Used Teabags Don’t Belong in the Trash! Use Them Like So
If you’re a regular tea-drinker, then hold onto your teabags after each cup and make good use of them at home with these tricks.
10 of the Fastest-Growing Vegetables
There is a variety of fast-growing vegetables, including legumes, leafy greens, and root vegetables. We feature 10 of the fastest-growing veggies in this article.
Make These Baby Products Naturally at Home!
To help you create your own natural remedies for your little one, we suggest trying out the following homemade "recipes".
Who Knew Mustard Had So Many Helpful Uses?
10 uses you may have never known you can put mustard to.
The 7 Dirtiest Spots in Your Home You Forget to Clean
Your home may not be as clean as you think. Here are seven dirty spots you are overlooking in your home
Dating as a Mature Adult May Seem Intimidating, But It’s Easy!
Tips and advice for single people above the age of 40.
These 12 Colorful Fish Can Be Easily Kept In Your Home!
Whether you've always wanted to raise fish in your home aquarium or you already have one and you're looking for new varieties to add, this is the article for you!
Smart! This Is How to Peel a Hard Boiled Egg
You can actually peel a boiled egg without even touching it! That's incredible.
5 Natural DIY Remedies for Blackhead Removal
In this article, we'll teach you to get rid of blackheads using 5 easy and effective at-home methods
The Best Way to Clean Your Oven Racks
Let's dive into this clever solution that is set to make your kitchen life a lot easier!
WARNING: Why We Shouldn't Lie on Our Stomachs!
Lying on your stomach for long stretches of time or every day can have some negative consequences...
15 Differences between Men and Women That Explain a Lot
Discover surprising biological differences between men and women, which can explain many things you thought about both sexes.
These Pots and Pans Storage Solutions Are an Absolute Must
If you have a small kitchen or if your cabinet space is limited, then you need to read this.
How to De-Ice Your Freezer and 11 Other Practical Tips!
How to find something you lost, how to find pipes under your floor and more handy shortcuts everyone should know.
12 Uses for Lemon Peels that Made My Life Easier...
Lemon peels are incredibly rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers that can increase your food’s nutritional value, aid in house cleaning, and even be used to maintain your skin’s health.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clean with This Neat Trick
If your sink's garbage disposal has started to smell, this is how you can eradicate it.
This is How You Keep Your Marriage Strong & Life-Long!
Here are 12 ways you can keep your marriage long-lasting, strong, full of love and support.
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.
Woah! Who Knew Baby Powder Was This Useful in the Garden?
If you have excess baby powder lying around your house, you'll be pleased to know that it has plenty of uses in the garden.
Learn the Self-Massage That Treats Back And Neck Pain
Many muscle aches, including back and neck pain, result from muscle bonds called "trigger points" - today you'll learn how to identify and treat these points.
Shop Smart! How to Recognize Good or Poor Quality Clothes
This informative guide will explain the 5 major ways of spotting a poor and high quality garments
6 Useful Tips for Wearing Sneakers for Seniors
Health experts say that seniors should wear sneakers. Follow these tips to learn more about how to wear them comfortably.
WAIT! Don't Throw Out Your Old Food Just Yet...
Whether you're a penny-pincher or just don't like wasting food, these 16 tips will show you what you can do with food you used to throw away.
This Handy DIY Project Will Have You Collecting Corks
There are so many useful things you can do with a cork. Start collecting your now!
Who Knew That Aluminum Foil Had So Many Extra Uses?!
How much use do you get out of your aluminum foil roll? Not much? Here are 16 extra uses you have probably never heard of.