You can like people and still need them to leave by nine.

Enjoying company and wanting it to end are not in conflict. An evening has a natural length, and pushing past it turns a good time into something you endure while watching the clock. Saying when you need the house back is a scheduling detail, not a review of the guests. Most people are relieved to be told.

The next time you have people over, name an end time when you invite them. Say it cheerfully and early. Then hold it, so the next invitation can be easy to make.