Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.
-- 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.