Let's face it, to most people the task of organising a children's party is a daunting one. No matter how brave you feel before the event, the real test comes on the day itself as you prepare to receive into your home a horde of youngsters, most of whom you have never met before. Furthermore the day poses many questions such as: Will there be enough room, food, games, prizes? How will we cope with the naughty ones, cry babies, children who will not leave their parents? Should we have balloons, blowers, hats, party bags, etc, etc? The list is seemingly endless.

Faced with all these decisions it is hardly surprising that many people take a certain amount of pot-luck with their preparations, reasoning that after all "they're only kids" and "it is only for a couple of hours". In reality both of these assumptions are a recipe for disaster. To imagine that "they're only kids", is to suppose that keeping them entertained on the day will be a simple affair and that they will delight in every game or activity which you have arranged for them. Anyone who has ever been present at, or indeed organised their own children's party, will know that this is sadly not the case and invariably the little darlings, bored or disinterested with the programme of events, will resort to making their own "entertainment"!

Similarly "a couple of hours" can be made to seem like a lifetime when, with half of the party still to go, you suddenly realise that you have played all the games, tea was over much faster than expected and you have no idea how you are going to prevent the impending destruction of all you hold dear as the guests perform their own unique interpretation of "The Charge of the Light Brigade".

Perhaps you feel that all of this is par for the course and, with the cost of House Contents Insurance being what it is, it's about time you had some of your money back! Maybe you feel that a children's party without all hell being let loose just would not feel right. After all you may reason that even if the assembled throng are running riot, at least they are enjoying themselves.If you find yourself nodding in agreement with the last couple of points then maybe this book is not for you and your money could be more wisely spent on a good interior decorator. If, on the other hand, you would like to tip the odds firmly in your favour the next time your offspring are blessed with a birthday, grab this volume with both hands and make a mad dash for the nearest check-out. You won't regret it and neither will the kids!

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