I like a good party as much as the next person.
It’s always fun getting together with friends to have some food, some drinks and great conversation. But when things go on too long how do you gently move people along without insulting them? It’s a delicate balance between being a good host and a bad host.
Those in my neighbourhood host many late night parties. They start at 4 or 5 pm and most times last until well after 2 am. Some have lasted until 5 am. I don’t know how they do it and they’re not all spring chickens. Their ages range from 35-55. When I was that age I couldn’t stay up and eat, drink and be merry that late. Actually I wouldn’t. My reasoning was and still is that I have things to do early mornings … like cycle, skate, walk, yoga … experience the morning clear headed.
So the question once again is … how do you gently move people along?
There are any number of ways I think. Me, I just avoid throwing those type of parties. I learned my lesson a number of years ago when my husband & I ushered the last of the guests out of our home at 4:30 am. Now we mostly host mid afternoon outdoor parties with light snacks and even lighter amounts of alcohol. We start about 3:00, put a few types of appetizers out, some wine and some beer in ice packed coolers and when its all gone, it’s all over. The slight exception is our Christmas open house which, of course is indoors. Snacks are plentiful as are the types of wine & beer but the time is key. Our party has a defined time … from 2 til 5. And for the most part people come and go with some staying later than 5 but rarely later than 6. So that’s a good thing.
To end the party a friend of mine starts cleaning up. Not just picking up dirty glassware and napkins, she actually starts hand washing the glassware hoping people take the hint. Another friend stops offering drinks and yet another has been known to pull out the vacuum and start vacuuming. That’s definitely a statement. Lol.
How do you shut down a party when it’s gone on too long? I’d be interested in knowing what you do.
Until the next time.