Children’s party in garden- what for the adults?

[WaitroseAldi]

Hi! My dd4 birthday party is a week on Saturday. We were supposed to have it at a soft play centre but obviously that can’t go ahead now. Iv booked a bouncy castle and we have 14 children coming. I’m really nervous! The garden isn’t massive (big enough for bouncy castle and space at the front ( maybe 2-3 metres?).

A few things, I need to message parents today about obviously the change of address, what do I say? Will they still come? I hope so!

Another thing is what do I get for the adults? Food? Drink? X

[WaitroseAldi]

And what the heck do I do if it rains??

[MoiraNotRuby]

If it rains they will go in your house so be prepared! They will be in and out anyway for the toilet so you need a plan.

You can't usually have 14 kids at once on a bouncy castle, there is a fair bit of health and safety to consider. Check with the rental company how many can go on at once. And maybe cut the guest list down.

[WaitroseAldi]

I think we have managed to lower the guest list to 12.

Any ideas on what to do for the adults? X

[Checkingout811]

Are you all friends or at least know one another? My friend did this on Saturday for her son. Music was on, drinks were flowing. Just a very nice, chilled atmosphere. Definitely helps if the sun is shining. She did a buffet & bbq too.

[MrsD28]

We have just had a party in our garden for DS who turned 5. For the parents, I had Prosecco and fresh strawberries, plus some cupcakes for everyone. We just laid out a load of chairs (brought out from the dining table) at a suitable distance from each other.

[MrsD28]

The party was afternoon only so no meal required!

[Kinsters]

I don't think adults need entertainment, won't they just sit around and chat? I'd say food and drinks. Maybe put a few chairs out..

I think you should expect people will end up being inside as it doesn't sound like there's loads of room for 12 kids plus minimum 12 parents.

[WaitroseAldi]

Do you think parents will drop and run? I’d much prefer that 😂🙈

[Deadleaf29]

You could offer/suggest drop and run, but if they’re all 4 I expect many parents will want to stay. I’d just provide cold drinks and crisps etc - they won’t expect adult entertainment too. I think you need some alternative activities for the children though - maybe some sort of craft to make/decorate? Or a few outdoor toys?

But if it rains I think you just have to cancel - you can’t have twelve kids and their parents inside your house.

[fantastaballs]

You deffo need some other entertainment for the kids. I always did a craft table for my daughters parties. The works is great. You can get little plain wooden boxes for £1 each. Then add some felt pens, stick on gems and stickers and they can make their own treasure chest to take home. Doubles as a party favour AND you can put serviette wrapped cake in it and do away with party bags.

If I was hosting at home now, I would offer some wine, tea/coffee and snacks. Nothing too fancy, just sausage rolls, crisps, cup cakes etc.

[WaitroseAldi]

God this is so stressful! This is why I booked soft play 😂😩

[roarfeckingroarr]

Wine.

[EmeliaKate]

A drink! People always feel more relaxed if they've got a glass to hold...

[Bksjshsbbev2737]

I went to a kids party recently and I was just so pleased to have something to do with my DD. The parents provided pimms and beer as well as soft drinks and tea and coffee and there was plenty of food (pizza, crisps, birthday cake) to nibble on after the kids had finished. The party was mid afternoon so no one expected much. We just sat and chatted and enjoyed our kids playing. I would just say as the host try to introduce people to others even if you’ve only just met them.
The parents sent a message saying we were welcome to drop our kids off or stay; we all stayed as I think at that age it can still feel a bit young just to drop them off.

[GintyMcGinty]

I would ask the adults to leave their children and go. Get them to give you their mobile phone no.s so you can call if there are any problems.

If it rains then ask them to wear waterproofs so they can still go on the bouncy castle. A bit of rain wont kill them.

But take them indoors for the food.

[motogogo]

Offer to drop and run, have chairs, a gazebo, hot drinks etc available. Remember 30 limit is outside and only inside for the loo - have you really got space for that many?

[JustKeep]

I don’t know anybody who did drop and run when the kids were only 4, that’s more normal for 6 years and up IMO.

[EmilieDuChatelet]

I hosted loads of parties in our back garden when DCs were younger. How about a couple of old fashioned games like pass the parcel, or Pin the tail on the donkey? Obstacle course could wear them out and you could use a few adults as helpers with the games. Two birds one stone. 😁

Pinatas are fun. With a smaller group and if it's a hot day you can do apple bobbing and then hand them water pistols. I cleared this with all the parents first!

Parents will eat the crisps, finish the sandwiches and hoover up the cakes. Ask a few to help with tea making and ferrying drinks.

[AnnaSW1]

I can't imagine anyone would leave their 4 year old.