Taryn is a writer, editor, content strategist, and homebody from Atlanta. I might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know me from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
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Navigating a party doesn’t require a map—just a little bit of charm. And know this: If you’re not born with social finesse, it’s certainly something you can borrow.
The next time you find yourself in a conversation that you need to dip out of—for a drink, a bathroom break, or just to take a breath—use one of these lines. We tapped a panel of entertaining experts in order to lend you some of their secrets for making a graceful exit from a tight circle.
And psst… Want to learn more about our experts? Check out their “table cred” right here: Meet the Entertaining Experts
“‘It was very nice meeting you! I’m going to find _______.’ My friend, the restroom, the bar… you pick.”
— Lauren Conrad, The Little Market
“I say: ‘Oh, there’s (insert guest’s name) —let me introduce you two!'”
— Camille Styles, CamilleStyles.com
“If it’s at a larger event where I’m usually only getting to speak to someone once, I’ll say something like ‘I’m sure other people are waiting to talk with you, but let’s connect again soon!’ If it’s at a smaller get together that I’m hosting, I usually just excuse myself to replenish bites or drinks.”
— Ashley Rose, Sugar & Cloth
“I use the good old ‘excuse me while I find the restroom’ line, most often because it’s true.”
— Kate Arends, Wit & Delight
“I just tell the truth and give a big hug.”
— Danny Seo, Naturally, Danny Seo
“The need to use the restroom or grab a bit to eat is always an easy way to respectfully exit a conversation.”
— Joy Cho, Oh Joy!
“When I am a hostess, it is always ‘let me check on a dish’ or ‘I think I hear someone at the door.’ If I am a guest, I generally say I have to check on my husband or I need to get a glass of water.”
— Michiel Perry, Black Southern Belle
“Nobody can ever blame you for having to use the ladies room!”
— Roxy Te, Society Social
“When you’re the host, this one’s easy; you can always leave to check on something in the kitchen.”
— Sarah Ashley Schiear, Salt House Market
“Excuse yourself and offer to help the hostess.”
— Jordan Ferney, Oh Happy Day!
“Now that I have a child, he is my exit line when I need to leave a party —but it’s also always very true because before his arrival, I was the last to leave a party and now, I’m usually well… second to last.”
— Holly Becker, Decor8
