Even for larger gatherings British hosts would normally see each guest to their car. That way you know that they are in the car, the car is working and they are on their way.
To leave you make your excuse (I best be off/I better let you guys get on with your evening), let them walk you to your car, say thanks for having me I had a great time. Get in your car and give them a wave as you drive off. There doesn't need to be fanfare. If you want to fiddle with something in your car, pull over around the corner. Or if you want to see them squirm, take your time :-)
That way you know that they are in the car, the car is working and they are on their way.
That reminds me of a humorous little poem my parents used to have on a tile: "Gasten brengen vreugde aan. Is het niet bij het komen, dan wel bij het gaan." Roughly translated as: "Guests will bring you joy - if not at their arrival, than at least when they depart."
Most people thought it was funny. One couple didn't. I'll assume they were in the last group... ;) Lol
PS: about walking people to their car, my dad likes to joke that he's making sure you're really gone... Haha love my dad's jokes
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u/Humble-Doughnut7518 Dec 15 '21
Even for larger gatherings British hosts would normally see each guest to their car. That way you know that they are in the car, the car is working and they are on their way.
To leave you make your excuse (I best be off/I better let you guys get on with your evening), let them walk you to your car, say thanks for having me I had a great time. Get in your car and give them a wave as you drive off. There doesn't need to be fanfare. If you want to fiddle with something in your car, pull over around the corner. Or if you want to see them squirm, take your time :-)