Funny how quickly those birthdays come around every year and, before you know it, the challenge is on: how can you give your child a party he’ll remember? How about lunch at a retro-chic diner, followed by a bowling party? That’s the offering

twirly-whirly poop cause great amusement. There are magic rabbits, buzzy bees, insects falling into soup and being gobbled up, and flying fish (and crashing glass bowls) – all ready and counting. There’s a choice of  languages to select, too, so why

, is something of a pleasant distraction. Do we fancy noodles thick or thin, cooked on a flat griddle, or swimming in a big bowl of soup? We could opt for a healthy salad, or a spicy curry. One thing’s for sure: we will need a couple of orders of our favourite

in.8. Flexible plastic buckets are handy to use as a baby or toddler bath (and doubles up as a washing-up bowl, log basket or handy storage for bits and pieces).9. A couple of torches – invaluable for obvious reasons and there's lots of fun to be had

that my children have helped to cook. They particularly enjoy food that can be put into serving bowls and left in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. Fajitas and tacos are good examples; the children like to help chop and fry