In order to survive, parents have to be able to be somewhat deaf and blind to their kids' misbehavior at times. However, they are very protective of their offspring and defensive about their parenting abilities, so you definitely have to be delicate here. I am assuming you want the guests to feel comfortable enough to return. If you don't, you can just say something like, "You know, our place isn't really childproof - maybe you should ask the kids to come back and sit at the table where they won't get hurt." If the parents cannot or will not get the kids to come to the table, you can tell the kids yourself or ask them to calm down or ask them to please refrain from touching or doing certain things. The parents may or may not mind your intervention. However, If you really do want to see these folks again, you can say something like, "Your kids are just great - I love their energy! Would they be upset if you asked them to come back to the table while I straighten up a bit before dessert?"  Then run around and do some damage control - the parents will see what you're up to and hopefully take a hint. Of course, if the parents cannot or will not get their kids back to the table, you'll just have to grin and bear it and think about whether you want this particular family to come again. Sarah Chana