Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
-- 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.