How to phrase this

[stayinghometoday]

The last two parties my friend came with her husband and family (last time uninvited). I don't like her husband or son at all but I thought it was just me. Yesterday I went to see a different friend and her partner who then complained about the behaviour of that husband and child. These were the 7th and 8th people that have out if the blue complained to me about the behaviour of my friends husband and child.

They're very clingy and intrusive, butt in others conversations and take over, act as if they're very popular but are actually annoying. Are arrogant. Talk a lot about themselves but in some way always put you down, publicly if they can "as a joke". The child barks up peoples legs and follows them around and doesn't let them leave. I told the child to stop pestering my pet last time (who was ready to attack) and the child looked so surprised that he heard a "no". And the most annoying part: they don't let you get away if you try to and massively overstay their welcome.

My friend thinks they're the best people ever and I really like my friend but I can't invite her family over for the next party if 1/3rd of my other guests feel so bothered by them. How on earth do I phrase this?

This is your friend.- it’s nice that she sees him as wonderful- don’t say anything to her, although I would be tempted to say he drives me bonkers.
Husband, comment every time he starts the nonsense- perhaps ask him to read it as though you could not possibly have heard him say that, ‘DFH, please don’t interrupt, I was listening to that,’ ‘well if I am such a bad hostess, perhaps don’t come next time’ ‘oh DFH that is a really inappropriate sexual comment, what on earth do you mean?’ Ensure you say it loudly enough for others to hear/ join in.
Tell child his silliness upsets your pet and he is not to do again. Explain to friend that it confuses the dog and you are worried he might snap at cheeky son.

I think this is quite difficult. Especially if you suspect she's being isolated as if you say anything it would give him an excuse to cut her off from her last friend 😢

Could you rope your husband into being a scapegoat? Like say oh I'd love to have your dh over but dh was really upset because your dh said/did x?

Or an elderly family member like a nan (with them knowing)? You might get more sympathy and you're not technically lying if they were one of the 8 people to complain. Because obvs no one is allowed to ever stress out someone's grandma x