If you follow general advice and plan to have your party for no more than two hours and with a limited number of children then you will find your time filled. If you have a large number of children, mixed age groups or decide to have a party, which lasts longer than two and a half hours, then entertainment may be necessary.

A simple rule for having an entertainer is to check them out before you hire.

Some entertainers run the whole party for you, oganising games and overseeing the meal. Others provide a whole range of separate activities, from puppet shows or face painting to magic and balloon modelling.

Entertainers advertise but it is best to ask around for a personal recommendation or if possible viewing them at work is better. Find someone who is experienced with the age group of the children at your party. When making a decision bear these points in mind:

• Very young children may find a heavily disguised clown frightening rather than funny.
• Young children have short attention spans. For three year olds, make sure that no part of the entertainment lasts for more than 15 minutes, changes regularly or has movement or known songs, rhymes etc.
• Four to five year olds can concentrate for longer, but they still prefer a variety of activities.
• If the party has mixed age groups then the entertainer should suit the pace of the youngest children.
• Ask what the entertainer does for each age group.
• Does he or she dress up,
• Organise games,
• Provide balloons or prizes?

Once you have chosen your entertainer book well in advance.

• Confirm the date, time, and place of the party,
• Your child’s age,
• The number of guests,
• The party theme, if any,
• Your address and address of party, if different, and
• The terms of your agreement in writing.
• A week beforehand confirm the booking and ask the entertainer how you should arrange the party area and if they have any special requirements.