Child-proofing a house

[pigeongirl]

I've agreed to let my boyfriend's sister hold her daughters 3rd birthday party in my house.
Having absolutely no experience with children, what do I need to do to make sure there's nothing dangerous around and also minimise any damage to the house?! (I'm already planning on moving my cream sofa into the garage!)

[winny]

Wow you are a good sister-in-law (either that or you are just plain crazy).
What sort of a party is it?
Will they have access to the whole house?
How many adults will be there?
How many children are there?
Basically I would remove anything that you dont want broken. At 3 they are not going to necessarily be past touching things they shouldnt.
If they are eating try a picnic on the floor on a large waterproof sheet. Have cartons or those juice bottles for drinks so a spil is a drip rather than a cup full. Your sofa may be ok if the food and drink is kept away. You could make them take shoes off too that is not unreasonable in any home.
Is she doing games with them so they wont get bored?
Some good kids music and floor space keeps them amused dancing for a while. Avoid anything they can use as a sword or can use as a weapon or swing round.
Its a bit hard without knowing what sort of party it is

[Bellringer]

FOOL!!
Put the little bu**ers in the garden & make sure your favourite plants are protected by something sharp & prickly.
If it must be indoors, put all you furniture into storage for the duration, and invest in lots of kitchen towel roll and cleaning stuff. Cover your carpets in something waterproof and check on your contents insurance policy.
Don't forget to warn the neighbours, Fire Brigade, Police, etc.

[sense4all]

If you love it shift it, buy/beg/borrow a stair gate, make sure you have carpet cleaner and kitchen towel in abundance, buy paracetemol and a transendental chillout tape for afterwards. Follow Bellringers advice!