Thanks For Coming, Now Leave: Top Tips to Get Guests to Go Home Already

You've thrown the most wonderful dinner party, enjoyed some good food and great laughter, and now the clock is ticking toward midnight and your flannel PJs and cozy down comforter are calling your name. So, how do you graciously -- and gracefully -- get rid of those guests who seem to be lingering for just one more nightcap or cup of joe?

• Enlist a pal to lead the exodus: Recruit a close friend among the guests and have him or her instigate a group departure (an after-party nightcap at the bar down the street, perhaps?).

• Do dishes: If you haven't already cleaned up, start doing it. If you feel a bit rude, you can politely say, "I hope you don't mind if I clean up a bit while we're talking." Most people understand that facing a mountain of dirty dishes at the end of a long night is no fun.

• Drop a hint: Try some subtle cues like turning off the music or blowing out candles.

• Play barkeep: Tell everyone it's "last call!" at the bar.

• Bribe them: If you have goody bags or favors, start handing them out.

• Yawn: If all else fails, let out a light yawn, laugh, and say something like, "Oh, I guess that glass of wine made me a bit sleepy."

• Send your other half to bed: Enlist your spouse to make polite apologies to the group and say that he or she has an early morning the next day and therefore has to hit the hay.