[Hedge Henderson]

It's a common problem for me, anyway. There are basically three things you can do:

1. Get tough and risk pissing people off
2. Learn to play short-handed.
3. Get a smaller, overflow table for the big nights.

I've done all of the above. It really depends on my mood, and I'm certain to announce what my mood will be a good 4-5 days in advance.

It's annoying, and poor etiquette on their part, but the only time things like that really bother me is for a tournament. Nothing like having to get the second table out of the garage, clean it off, adjust the blind structure, and re-distribute all the chips an hour before tip-off because your three "maybes" each decide they're bringing a friend or two.

For ring games, I just set up a "kid's table" and the late players know where they'll be sitting. No padding, no drink holders, and no Kem cards.