Party Tips
by Alison Rhodes

Whether it's holiday parties or summer barbecues, we all like to entertain. And when we're busy making sure our guests are having a good time, it's very easy for our children to get into trouble. The following are a few practical tips to keep in mind next time you have a party:

• Have guests leave their purses in one location away from your children. Guests could have medication and other objects hazardous to your child in their purse.



• Be sure half-finished cocktails that might look like fruit juice to your child are not left around.



• Keep lit candles on higher tables out of children's reach.



• Be sure that you have a self-closing, self-locking gate around your pool. During pool parties, people will be coming in and out and could inadvertently leave a gate open.



• Provide your child with age appropriate snacks during the party. Serve them in a "fancy bowl" that will appeal to him or her. This will make them feel special and distract them from choking hazards such as popcorn and baby carrots that you might be serving to guests.



• If possible, designate a friend or relative at the party to be an "extra set of eyes" to watch your child while you're busy tending to guests.



• If you're grilling outside, be sure that barbecue utensils are not hanging from the grill.