Please help me compile a list of pros and cons for a big birthday bash at home.......

[MadreInglese]

I have a big birthday coming up in a few months and was just thinking of maybe going out for some drinks with friends, but DP suggested last night that we have a party at home. There would be approx 50 people invited, not all would come of course. We have two decent sized reception rooms, a medium kitchen and a medium yard area where we would prob get gazebos & heaters.

I'm about 60% sold on the idea but would love your comments and input to help me make up my mind.

All I can think of at the moment is -

Pros
Much cheaper and easier for people to come than a £££££££££££ night out in town
I can decide on decor, food, guests, etc (control freak, moi??)
More relaxed and less booming music than a night out

Cons
The MESS
Would have to do food (don't mind but might be pricey depending on numbers)
No dancefloor (I've never seen people dance at house parties other than on telly!)
Less space at home than in a bar in town

Am I stark raving bonkers to be considering it?

[MaureenMLove]

I did one for 70 on Saturday and I actually have a party/gathering for over 20 people a couple of times a year!

I love them!

Pros for me are all the same as yours, but also the food. DH and I love to cook, so that's not an issue for us.

Cons, again I'm not bothered about the mess, I like cleaning!

You can easily keep the food cost down, by choosing very basic picky bits. Dancefloor is not an issue. Push back the furniture as much as possible and as long as you have one or two girlies there, they'll dance! 50'ish people in two reception rooms, a kitchen and a garden is plenty of space.

Go on!!! Do it!

[MadreInglese]

Thanks Mo! Wasn't sure if there was anyone lurking in the party section today

Yes, we enjoy the cooking too, it's more the cost of it I think, but it would only be a one off, and I suppose it would be nibbles, not a full on dinner for everyone.

[MaureenMLove]

I'm lurking all over the place today! Just got an unexpected half day from work, because DD was sent home from school! I've got nothing to do!

It'll be much more personal if you do it at home too. If you're all out in a bar somewhere, it won't be just your night! I'm sure you deserve to be the centre of attention for a least one night.

When are you planning to have it?

[MadreInglese]

Early December



Hope your DD is ok

[MaureenMLove]

She's fine. She was the meat in a door sandwich! Got a bruise on her forehead and a lump on the side of her head! It's not unusual for her to have a accident tbh. We're used to it!

Well, if it's December, you've got plenty of time to plan! Start a list of food and drink you'll need now and start bunging a few things on your shopping list once a month. The one I've just done for 70, has been in the planning since January! My final shop on Friday for it, was just £40!

Decide on a theme for the decorations and get online and find the best deals for them. Great place for invites is BaullisticBlue.com. We bought the club ticket style ones and although they were 99p each, we only needed about 20, because obviously it's only one per family. TBH, we couldn't have made and printed them ourselves for much less than that. They looked great and very professional.

Music - start collating your favourite tracks from CD's now and asking all your friends if you can have a look in their collections too. Stick them all on a USB and play them through your PC or USB port if you've got one. If not, steal it from a friend!

I am the queen of party organising! I'll help you though!

[MadreInglese]

Oh poor DD

Fab ideas there, thanks! I might just be picking your brains nearer the time