Kids are not invited

Not every occasion is suitable for children to attend and for all concerned they might be happier with a baby sitter, a movie and a bowl of popcorn than an evening at your neighbor’s cocktail party. When sending out invitations to a casual gathering where children aren’t invited, rather than putting “no kids,” which is negative and suggests your guests’ children are not well mannered or “adults only,” which suggests the party might be of a restricted nature, say something more positive or playful. “Take a break from the kids and join us for cocktails and a BBQ around the pool Friday night…”

What should you do if a guest unexpectedly shows up with their children? In a nutshell, do the best you can. Bribe a teenager into helping you out at the last minute.