In-laws make themselves at home long before dinner

DEAR ABBY: How should I handle in-laws who show up three or more hours early for dinner and just sit at the kitchen counter? I have things to do; I don’t have time to entertain them, and I can’t persuade them to leave the kitchen. It really puts a damper on my final prep and last-minute cleaning. I don’t want to be rude. They are nice people, but I can’t handle this anymore. — ON DISPLAY IN ILLINOIS DEAR ON DISPLAY: Not everyone likes to have company in their kitchen while they are getting ready to entertain. Does your husband know you feel so strongly about this? If he doesn’t, let him know, because you may need his help to get the message across to his folks and siblings that you (BOTH) prefer they don’t show up early. Of course, the alternative would be for him to entertain them while you prep.