That’s what I think you should do, too.
But I usually exit stealthily so I don’t have deal with any of that shit in a drunken state.
I think “ghosting” can be appropriate at large gatherings, especially weddings. I wish I hadn’t spent the entire second half of my reception saying goodbye every 3 minutes. In the case where your host is busy enjoying themselves, I say let them be.
I give another guest $5 and tell them to wait 5 minutes then yell loudly “HAMPSHIRE HAS LEFT THE BUILDING!”
It’s situational.
In the case of large gatherings, you should already have socialized with the host well before exiting and conveyed whatever sentiments are appropriate to the occasion, and there is no need to interrupt them to do so again; your entrance should be noticed, though not disruptive, and your exit should pass unremarked.
At smaller parties, departing unnoticed is more difficult, and more likely to change the dynamics. In this case, some sort of acknowledgment is appropriate, if the host is not otherwise engaged. The smaller the party, the more this is true; at a gathering of intimates, a personal farewell is obviously appropriate.
All of this is, of course, subject to the host’s preferred custom. If you know that goodbyes are important to them, then it’s proper to tender one, even at major occasions. Personally, I like it when there is something to mark an “official” end-point to a gathering–“The Parting Glass”, for instance–after which, the host’s duties are done, and guests may continue to socialize, separate into smaller groups for other activities, or depart without notice.
I always make sure that the smoke has cleared, and that the intended targets are neutralized; then I fire a few rounds into the air and say “Don’t follow me” just in case I missed somebody.
What, no hostages!
If the PD is out front, rear/side windows are not only acceptable, but advised.
Yeah, this really did happen in the under-21 days.
How should one leave a party?
Cleaner than how one found it.
Oh wait, that’s a campsite.
Believe me, I’m more embarrassed at this faux pas than you are.
OK, one hostage.
Female, young, beautiful, redheaded, well-bosomed.
Spunky. Let’s not forget spunky.
Screw you guys, I’m going home.
Only after wiping one’s penis on the drapes.
Smash drinking vessel on the floor, scream, “FUCK THIS, I’M OUT!”, back out of room flipping the double bird.
Exeunt, pursued by a bear.
But first…
Regards,
Shodan
If I can find the host and they remember me leaving, it hasn’t been a good party. 
Hobbit party style: unconscious, placed in a wheelbarrow and rolled home by gardeners hired by the host.
*
Sing: gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble,
gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble!*
I would always want to invite you into my home.
I wouldn’t expect anyone to send a thank you note. But, if you did, it would be a very pleasant surprise.
In handcuffs.
It depends on a lot of factors that can’t be easily reduced to a formula.
But in my late teens to mid twenties I learned to just leave big parties without saying goodbye to the host. Attempting to say goodbye to the host was met with either endless pleas for me to stay or with small-talk that lasted forever.
So I just quietly left parties when I felt it was time to leave.