oh my god...WHAT A GREAT SUBJECT!!!!!!

I didn't have time to read through everyone's post, but here's my opinion:

IT'S YOUR PARTY...DO WHAT YOU WANT!!!

I have a Halloween party just about every year, and it is NOW understood that children are not welcome. In addition, since I usually have 150-175 people, everyone knows that they are only allowed one guest. Since many of our friends now have kids (3-5 yr old range), we have a pumpkin picking/activity party for the kids when we don't have our halloween party. Kinda evens things out a little. DO NOT leave it up to the parents to decide if it is a good idea to bring their kids, because they will be selfish, and bring them. You have to tell them "no". Sucks, and maybe you'll lose a friend, but hey, why can't they understand? I'm sure they have rules at their parties. On top of that, you have to tell them that THEIR kids might make ADULTS feel uncomfortable (drinking, joking, cursing). And them leaving early when the kids get tired...no, they'll probably let them fall asleep on a couch, floor, or maybe your bed!

As far as people who want to come over before the party starts - NO WAY!!! Too much last minute stuff to get done! If you've never had a big blow-out-bash, you're not gonna believe how much last minute stuff there is to do like: getting ice, changing last minute light bulbs that go out, fixing decorations that are out of place, or have fallen, not to mention getting your costume/makeup on!!!

I hope this helps!

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