DD 1st Birthday. What shall I do? Suggestions please

[JK123]

I know I wouuld like the immediate family there and our close friends with babies to come. I think I worked out about 40 people in total and about 10 babies. I'd like to do something for the babies -maybe have a magician, bouncy castle, etc but would also like to cut a cake. Don't want an evening bash as the babies will get tired after 7pm. Any suggestions on what I could do? Thanks.

[DangerousBeans]

I know it is a really exciting time, and I don't want to seem like a grumpy old woman, but the babies won't remember the party, so don't spend too much on entertainment for them.

A box of baby toys will keep them just as happy as a magician.

I hope you have a nice time.

[maisemor]

Most of the babies probably wont even let go of their mummy or daddy to be quite honest. If you just put most of your babies toys (and all the new ones he/she will be getting as presents that day) in one of the rooms. That should keep them happy for a looong time.

Bouncy castle also a no. They are too young. Unless you are going to let them on one at a time.

Definately yes to the cake.

Also agree that it should be a day time thing.

[luckylady74]

are all the babies even walking yet? there's not much, including castles that 1 year olds can go on. if you really wanted to push the boat out you could do a messy play type thing with paints and sticking - but the other parents would hate you!or some singing -think what playgroups do that 1 year olds access.we always go for 3pm -6pm ie after nap time. we had a gazebo in the garden, buffet in the kitchen, grandad with camcorder,best outfits on kids, candles on cake and that was enough. tbh i clear away all but a few toys before a party as i can't bear treading on toys - the kids just chase each other around
any way -they do seem to enjoy our pop up tents/tunnels and little ride on trikes when they're together. best advice i can give is make a nice spread, drink some wine and celebrate!

[JK123]

Good point about babies not walking yet. So I'll leave out the bouncy castle. I can't have the party at home because my kicthen has a leak and won't be fixed in time. so where can I have this party? I've got:
35 adults
4 babies aged 1
11 kids aged between 2-8
6 kids agred between 8-14
So in total 57!

Was thinking of having a party starting the afternon from 12- 5 ish. I just don't know what to do - how can everyone be entertained, what food should I have, etc.

I feel I'm in a real state.........

[MrsScavo]

Would you expect people to stay for 5 hours?

sounds a long old party to me. Do you have enough money to hire a hotel, or will a village hall be more suitable?

[JK123]

Yes family and friedns will be staying for 5 hours approx. All teh parties I have been invited to are for 5 hours. I can afford a hotel room or village hall but what would I do - activities, etc?

[MrsScavo]

Could you get a really good face painter? Find somewhere where the children can run around on grass, that will usually keep the active ones entertained. Set up a ball bit for the babies, a bouncy castle for the older ones and a magician for the older children / adults. They don't have to stay for the entire duration of the party, just a couple of hours each. How about ceramic painting? The babies can make hand prints/footprints on tiles. Older children can paint models, etc, and adults can do whar they like - plates etc.

[MrsScavo]

An bubble machine- you need a bubble machine. And lots of helium balloons.

[luckylady74]

so i'd go for 12 - 4pm then as then they'll understand it's not for tea. bearing in mind the point is a child's party then surely the village hall would be nice - a hotel seems ott. lovely idea to decorate with helium ballons and bubbles. i'd go for bouncy castle and drinks on arrival, thank everyone for coming, deflate the castle, say lunch is served, have lunch, reflate castle untiltime for party games like pass the parcel they can all do then cut cake and hand out cups of tea near the end .i think the age range is too wide for an entertainer i went to a mixed age party recently and it was lovely -bouncy castle and basket ball hoops and a few balls for the kids - lots of wine and cakes for adults. a friend did face painting and another made ballon animals in place of party bags - i particularly liked sitting down to eat nice cake at the end rather than sent home with a bag!

[JK123]

Thanks Luckylady74. I'm going to take into consideration everything you have said and follow that. Thanks to everyone else also.