Have you ever found yourself lingering at a dinner party, unsure of when it’s time to make your exit? We’ve all been there! While it’s great to enjoy the company of friends, it’s equally important to know when it’s time to let your gracious host and hostess reclaim their home. After all, hosting a dinner party is no small feat, and they may have cleaning and organizing to tackle once the last guest departs. Follow these tips to know when it’s time to bid adieu (hint: start by looking for an end time on the invitation)!
Dessert Delight
Typically, a dinner party starts wrapping up about 30 minutes after dessert, coffee, and tea have been enjoyed. These post-meal treats signal that the main dinner event is over, and the evening is transitioning to a more relaxed phase. It’s the perfect time to savor your dessert, sip on a cup of coffee or tea, and engage in light conversation.
Check the Invitation
Before leaving for the party, check the invitation (no matter if a formal paper invitation or just a casual text) to see if the host included timings, and be conscious of them.
Signs It’s Time to Go
- The Yawning Host: If your host or hostess begins to show signs of exhaustion, such as frequent yawning or discreetly checking the time, consider it a polite hint that the evening is winding down.
- Candlelit Countdown: Take a subtle cue from the lighting. If your host starts dimming the lights or blowing out candles, it’s a clear signal that the soirée is coming to a close.
- Fading Fellow Guests: When you notice other guests making their exit, it’s a good time to start considering yours. There’s strength in numbers when it comes to leaving a party gracefully and you don’t want to find yourself as the last guest(s).
- The ‘Thank You’ Telltale: If your host starts thanking everyone for coming and expresses gratitude for your presence, it’s a subtle nudge towards the exit. Be sure to reciprocate with genuine thanks for their hospitality.
Remember, hosting a dinner party is hard work, and your host likely has cleaning and organizing to do after guests leave. Offer to help clean or tidy before leaving and don’t forget a thank you note afterwards! Following these tips will ensure excellent guest etiquette and also keep you on the invite list for the next party! Read more about what to bring as a host gift here.