Have you ever taken your child to a party and wondered in amazement at the creative party food and marvelled at the fun party games, and wished you had the know-how, organisational skills, panache, energy and time to do the same? Well despair no more. Now you, too, can organise that perfect party for your kids with this perfect step-by-step party book - 'The Complete Party Planner' by Annabel Karmel. Even if you feel you are not creative enough to actually make your own party invitations, the list of party games is invaluable. Like many people, I am sure, the party games from my own childhood are now just a vague recollection - Pass the Parcel and Musical Chairs are the only ones that have committed to memory. One of the games described, 'The Power of Advertising' is actually a great adult party ice-breaker too. Some of the cake recipes looked more daunting than others at first glance, but if you take it slowly step by step, you will achieve the same great results. A friend of mine made the Fairy Princess Cake for her daughter's 3rd birthday party which was themed around 'Barbie', and the cake was a huge success, and just as impressive as the photograph in the book. The recipes are accompanied by beautiful photographs, which makes them even more tempting to try. I have enjoyed the 'easy to assemble' recipes such as Sausage Aeroplanes, Apple Smiles, Goldfish Bowl Jelly, Buzy Bees and the Rice Krispie Squares recipes. My son particularly liked making the Dead Man's Fingers, and didn't care that it wasn't Hallowe'en! And his Chocolate Swiss Roll Aliens could well feature in 'Men in Black II'! I am looking forward to tackling the Christmas Fairy Cakes, Christmas Puddings and Christmas Presents for the School Christmas Fair. Cake Stall, be prepared to be impressed! Jacqui Barnett Now 'Partying' with Confidence