The only thing I do when I notice Dd is getting tired or is tired already and she simply won't settle in my arms I just pop her to bed, turn on her music thing and walk out.. I say nothing except bed time missy.. sometimes she grizzles not cries as i don't leave her to cry unless absolutly necessary. and most times she surprises me by stopping grizzling as soon as I lay her down..
I've noticed this too Nic, sometimes it's better to put her down than to try to settle her.

My other favorite trick is wrapping - we use a flat cot sheet and this is the best sleep cue we have for DD!! Can't see us stopping it any time soon.