2006-09-10 20:56:59 · 18 answers · asked by rikki-mae 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Entertaining
Why not get them in on the act, and assign them jobs to do for the guests? One could take coats or purses, one could pass hors d'oeuvres or take drink orders, etc. Let them dress up in their fancy clothes and be a part of the fun for awhile.
Then, when you and your guests are eating, let them have a private pizza party of their own in another part of the house. The older ones can help the younger ones, and then at the end, let them have a serving of the fancy dessert that the adults are eating.
It's never too soon to let them start interacting socially with adults and learning how to treat guests.
2006-09-10 21:06:35 · answer #1 · answered by Wolfeblayde 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Depending on their age range, I found the best way was to get the older kids to go for a night out, maybe a sleepover, or movie and meals. Sometimes the older ones are ready to help out in the kitchen provided you reward them afterwards ! Also visiting relatives is a good idea.......
The younger kids can be supplied with books, video tapes they haven't yet seen, candy, popcorn and a brand new board game, not too hard or they will come asking you to explain the rules.
I find that my little one can be quite occupied with a LARGE supply of craft stuff or ,a load of old make up ..... Be prepared to do a major clean up!!!
For the really active kids, take them to the playground or park and let them run around for hours, then a good hot bath and heavy meal.. that will get the rascal off to bed early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-11 04:11:39 · answer #2 · answered by juni 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Easy, order pizza and rent a couple of movies. Put the youngest kid to bed a little earlier then normal... after he gets some pizza ofcourse, and let the older kids do whatever they want... you could also take them out and buy them a new game. Good Luck! I only have a 2 year old right now so I just tell people not to come until 7:30... thats her bedtime:)
2006-09-11 14:01:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I went to a dinner party recently & the hostess hired a babysitter for her 2 children that evening.
They came downstairs to be introduced to the guests just before dinner was served & then the babysitter took them back upstairs for the rest of the evening. I imagine there were things for them to do & snack foods available.
It worked out well for everyone.
2006-09-11 09:24:49 · answer #4 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 children, I gave up having dinner parties, except for family, for a long time. Just seemed like a better idea to go out to enjoy myself.
Family get togethers are how they learn to behave in social settings, I had no problem with correcting bad behaviour in front of family.
2006-09-11 13:54:33 · answer #5 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's probably a little late in the game, if you don't already have a handle on them. However, you can always try to sit them down and explain to them clearly what you intend, and what you expect. It would be a good idea to figure out tasks for each to assist you with as well, so it becomes their dinner party too and they feel more of a part of it. Have you asked them this question?
2006-09-11 04:03:53 · answer #6 · answered by Matthew 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If any of the other couples have kids, suggest you split the cost of the babysitter and send your kids over to their hosue for the night, this also works great if you kids are all friends, give the older kids permission to spend the night at a friends that you have been saying No to.
2006-09-11 12:05:00 · answer #7 · answered by Nicole D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if they are going to be at the party try giving them each a different job like picking up the plates or asking people if they would like anything else.
if you involve the children they will learn how to entertain also. this is great for social skills, especially for the younger ones. .
have fun and good luck.
2006-09-11 18:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by KAREN A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you need to ask this, then it is evident that you are one of *those* types of parents who is not in control of her children. Who's in charge? You or the kids? It had better be you. Proper discipline all along equals no problems at your dinner party and no need even to have asked this question!
2006-09-11 10:38:02 · answer #9 · answered by nido_tr3s 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Have you tried giving each child a job to do at the party? Children love to help have them collect the coats, carry the trays of appetizers, pick up and hand out napkins, collect empty glasses...there are numerous things that children can do if we allow them to try..
2006-09-11 04:06:35 · answer #10 · answered by carmen d 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋