Holiday hosts need not have an anxiety attack about the mischievious antics of the children at their, hopefully festive, orderly and relaxing event. Patty Sachs, party expert and author, shares strategies to turn "holiday hooligans" into "party perfect" guests.

 Have you been to holiday parties where children are playing catch with tree ornaments, finger painting with the guacamole dip or reveling in other equally annoying and distracting antics? Patty Sachs, author and noted celebration authority, shores up holiday hosts who are concerned that the behavior of youngsters in attendance may detract from the overall festive mood they’ve created for their gathering. “So often these ‘holiday hooligans’ are just bored and restless at an event that has been designed with adults in mind,” suggests Sachs, author of Pick A Party: The Big Book of Party Themes and Occasions and Pick A Party Cookbook: The Big Book of Party Refreshments and Table Décor. (Meadowbrook Press) She assures, “It doesn’t take much effort or preparation to ward off this potential party pitfall.”

Some of Sachs’ kid-friendly suggestions are:
·    For a 100% turnout, send an invitation to each child, with instructions to “bring your parents.” This strategy generally guarantees enthusiasm and involvement and in most cases, the child’s best behavior.
·    Set up a specially decorated area for the children, complete with kid refreshments, a few activities to keep them entertained, and perhaps a teen-aged guest or two to act as “counselors” to supervise the youngsters. Organize simple and easy craft projects that will serve as holiday gifts and include wrapping supplies to keep them busy even longer.
·    Provide a few costume effects to inspire tiny thespians to put on a short “play” for the adults. The rehearsals alone will absorb kids for a stretch of time.
·    At a family gathering, assign each school-age child a senior guest to “look after,” to help fetch refreshments, clear away soiled glasses, plates, etc. This important role prompts responsible attitudes and raises self-esteem.
·    Give each of the children a turn at snapping a picture with a one-use camera. Expand on the activity and have the children write down the names of the guests who appear in their creative “shoot.” This is an excellent way to initiate interaction between children and adults—sure to result in better behavior of both.
Each of these ideas must be implemented in the background of the party, not to take it over. When the timing and duration of each activity is moderated and controlled they will surely have a role in the event’s success.

For more on “catering to kids at holiday gatherings” visit Sachs’ website www.pattysachs.com. The site is loaded with free party-planning ideas, total party designs and resource links of value to hosts of events both for personal and business occasions. Visitors to the site can sign up for a free Celebration Planning e-mail newsletter, seek free entertaining advice or search for party goods and books.