Polite ways of telling guests it’s time to leave

[Iwritethissittinginthekitchensink]

I want to get better at this - enjoying people’s company in my house eg for an afternoon or evening, but when enough is enough how to politely indicate it’s time to wrap things up and for them to go?

Just wondered if anyone has stock phrases you rely on!

Yawn and start to wash up.

A friend's Labrador used to yawn hugely, hop up on the sofa and gradually edge guests off.

Would you like another drink/cuppa? Usually prompts checking the time and it's often No thanks I'd better be off or Ok just a quick one then before I go.

Risky!

“Well, it’s been lovely to see you, I have to go out in about 15 minutes - do you need the loo or anything before you go?”

"Anyway, it's been lovely seeing you, but I've got stuff needing done."
mainly changing into my pyjamas and cracking open the last chocolate orange

Just say 'anyone fancy a cuppa before you hit the road?' about 20 mins before you want them to go

I say “I’m going to load the dishwasher”. That usually points people in the direction that the evening is over. If it doesn’t they get roped in to help!

Honestly I just make sure they know what time I'm available till.
So I would say " fancy lunch at mine? I'm available 12 till 4"
Or " fancy coming for dinner? I'm thinking if we eat at 730 then that gives us till 11for a good catch up "

I came on to say the same as @ChocChipOwl - 'Would you like another cup of tea before you go?'

Great phrasing! Also agree with setting the timescale before they come round. You can always overrun if you're having fun. I often also just start tidying cups away etc.

hahahaha mine usually farts and if that isn't enough to send the guests scurrying, I tell the guests he needs a poo and will need to walk him round the block. The lad does come in useful. He helps with the pre-wash for the dishes too

'Would you like a coffee or another drink for the road? This has been so amazing!'

Then either grab their coats or start talking about where their coats are. Works every time.

My father, a man not known for his patience, handed visitors a box of teabags and told them that they could have the next cup at home. My mother was mortified but visitors left. The worst is they were HIS family, his brother and sil. If you have seen Derry Girls think of Uncle Colm and you get the idea. When mum chastised him he replied ' it was either that or I was going to drown him in the barrel out the back and I'd be doing everyone a favour '

I do this too.

Oh good point thanks, I try to do this but your phrasing is helpful.

thanks so much everyone, please keep them coming as it’s helping me to figure out what words are comfortable for me :)

I live in a famous golf town. Most of my friends claim an early tee off ... wish I could do the same, but I don't play golf. I do find, though, if you start tidying up, and offer a coffee, most people take the hint.

Haha!

I had a boyfriend whose dad once said “right, time to get off my property!” after a New Year’s party at their house! He did it with a bit of humour though!

Sometimes I will say
“Ah this has been so lovely, we should do this again sometime.”
It usually kicks off looking at calendars to schedule another get together and then hints with past tense that I’m ready to be done.

I tend to start with a nicer 'would you like a cup of tea?'

And if the hint hasn't been taken..

'ok, I'm going to have to kick you out now'

My friend does this seamlessly and i want to get better at it. She says

'Right I'm afraid I'm going to have to kick you out in 5 (or 10) minutes as I'm really tired / have an early start (choose accordingly).

It never sounds rude and everyone knows where they stand (more importantly they leave in 5/10 minutes!)

Good for that dog. Our cat used to sit staring at us “it is bedtime”

Oh I love this. I really want to get better at saying how I feel with good humour - I think it’s good for also allowing others the freedom to say what they need/feel to which makes for honest friendships. Thanks :)

Turn the heating off

Eh?!