An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.
-- The Buddha
The balloon clown. We seem to have versions of these at almost every party, supermarket, large restaurant, shopping mall and even funeral. Seems to be the most popular way to keep the little ones quiet over here. Doesn't work too well though, especially when balloons are mixed with cocktail stiks as here. I find a pillow- and large glass of mulled wine much more efficient in the "Keep Quiet" stakes.