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>>>Yep. Learned that one the hard way. Our other hard and fast rule was that there had to be a plan for every minute of the party. Start with a art/craft project as the kids arrive and keep them busy until they leave.
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>>We had party at local bowling spot that specializes in kid bowling parties. 10 kids showed + Katy. I took a different approach. I set up 3 lanes for them, got their food set up, gave 40 bucks to one of the employees to watch the kids, then I disappeared to the bar and the arcade. Came back 90 minutes later - all kids accounted for, no limbs missing. When I delegate, I delegate. Problem solved. :)
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>Ah, your original message implied a home party. Parties out are a whole different animal. We only did a couple of those. We always had plenty of space for home parties. For our younger son, my husband would write treasure hunts for the kids.

We had a party at a local bowling spot, and then some of the kids who are actual neighbors came over to our house afterwards.

And I was kidding about disappearing to the bar - someone sent me a PM and thought I was serious.