Inside the House is a DCist feature offering an insider’s view of fine dining issues by the hostess at a D.C. restaurant. Her views are strictly her own and do not in any way represent those of her employer.

It’s close to nine o’clock, and my 8:45 four-top is lolling at the bar.

The party at the table where we planned to seat them is leisurely browsing their dessert menus. They’ve been there since six. By all accounts, they should have been out by now. But half the party came in late, and the other two didn’t want to order until everyone arrived. They look comfortable.

I need to them to leave. I want that table vacated, re-set and ready for the next party. Preferably in five minutes or less.

I walk through the dining room and nod at their waiter. He follows me into the kitchen.

“Table 47,” I say nervously. “How long?”

“I don’t know. They’re taking their time.”

“Dude, the 8.45 is here already. Can you get them out?

“I’ll see what I can do.”

If you’ve ever worked at a restaurant, you know what I mean. Some parties get in, eat, drink and get out. But some of them set up a camp to stay past dessert, past coffee, past refills of coffee, and past paying the check. And nothing you do seems to get the “Time To Go” message across to the table.