Avoid picking a date when guests will be either away or otherwise engaged e.g. –bank holiday weekends or World Cup finals!! Make sure to REMIND THE OTHER PARENTS if your party falls on either of the days when the clocks are changed, otherwise half the guests may turn up an hour late/early. Also, check with the other parents to make sure your party is going to clash with anybody else’s.

Two hours is the standard and for a reason - after that children just get tired and irritable. The best times are either 12 - 2pm or 4 - 6pm because if there is another party on the same day, with a little co-operation nobody need miss out.

People get really worked up over this one .Running a kids party in your home is no problem, as long as you've lined up suitable children's entertainment so they are fully occupied for the duration of the Birthday party ! Traditional party entertainment such as pass the parcel , musical statues etc. have stood the tests of time because kids love them .You don’t need to rent a hall, it’s an unnecessary expense and very inconvenient as you will end up transporting food etc. around the city.

Clear away the toys and other distractions (balloons etc) in the room where the Magic show is going to take place. If there are too many toys to move just cover them with some bed sheets or duvet covers. It helps prevent fights over who plays with what and keeps the attention on the show.

Not only is it a nice gesture to keep a parking space for the Children's entertainer as they will have to carry in heavy equipment but it also prevents them getting soaked if it lashes rains - drying down props etc. just wastes time (hint ,hint)!

Tie a couple of balloons to the front door, it guides guests to the party and sets the mood. If your house is hard to find or you live in a remote area think about including directions with the invites or even better - Sat Nav co ordinates.

Yes, Kids like party poppers and tooters but if they’re not there they just don’t miss them. They scare small kids, will give you a headache and may induce Granny’s angina again .If you really want to give them out, save them until the end of the party. Also beware of party hats - you could end up spending the majority of tea time repairing broken elastics.

Have a list of the children’s names and a pen by the hall door. Jot down the parent's phone number beside the kids name and check if they have any food allergies you should know about - the kids, not the adults. Stickers with names on them are a really good idea as your child will almost certainly know everyone at the party but the all the kids may not know each other.

As the guests arrive put the presents away. Explain to your child that if everybody plays with them they will get broken.

In the unlikely event where one child's behaviour is threatening to spoil things for everybody else don’t be afraid to: Tell them they will have to sit in the kitchen with Granny until they chill out or just threaten to phone their parents!!! We know it sounds a little severe but at a party everyone should have a good time especially the Birthday child and no one child should be allowed to ruin everything.

When the kids arrive and you’re taking their coats point out where the toilets are. It helps prevent any embarrassing accidents later.

Avoid giving the children sweets or drinks before the meal and don’t put the food on the table until it is being served. It’ll end up all over the place.

While ordering in food like pizza may seem like a great idea it can turn into a nightmare when the delivery guy is running late or Dad is stuck in traffic trying to make it home with 20 happy meals. Opt for the standard party fare which kids love – cocktail sausages, rice crispy cakes etc.

To avoid severe hyperactivity serve all the hot food first, followed by the sweets .It helps prevent unnecessary waste and keeps the amount of sugar taken to a comfortable level without anybody feeling deprived. Don’t buy sugary drinks particularly Coca Cola and Diet Coke (the caffeine makes kids go mad). Instead, consider Diet 7 up and Diet Fanta or juices. Tetra Pac’s such as Capri Sun are great because they don’t spill when knocked over.

Remember if you’re stuck for space or don’t have enough seats - don’t worry. Kids don’t care about sitting on the floor with their plates. In fact, in a kid’s world it’s actually better because stuff can’t fall any further!!!

Don’t serve food or drinks once the magic show has begun - it's asking for trouble! Most of it will end up on your carpet.

A couple of balloons for the gate
Candles and a child proof lighter
Camera – batteries charged!
Hand wipes and kitchen roll because 20 sticky little hands don’t do much for sofas.
Pepper spray and a fire extinguisher if you didn't book Mr Magic :-)