Do people still throw children's parties at home?

[Gigis]

When I was little, from about 4 to 10, I always used to have a birthday party at home. They would always be themed and wed play a mix of party games like pass the parcel and a mix of just running around burning off energy in the garden like tig. Mum and dad went to huge lengths to organise them and instead of pre made party bags everyone would take part in a treasure hunt at the end to find individually wrapped little toys or packs of crayons and sweets to collect and put in a party bag to take home. All my friends have commented since that they loved these parties more than the swimming pool ones/roller skating ones. I could only ever invite up to 10 people or so.
I see on here people talking about inviting entire classes to birthday parties which I guess youd need to rent a function room for or do an activity, so I was just wondering if old fashioned at home parties have totally died out for little kids or if anyone still does them?

Used to do home parties from age 4-6, but stopped for a while after a bunch of them went through my cupboards and purposefully destroyed some items. Small parties of 6 all the way, but much easier once they are older. It does depend on holiday dates, though, as I can't set everything up while working.

We've done both. A whole class party for each child in YR at a gymnastics place, then smaller groups at home. As they get older (oldest 13 this year) they've wanted to do 'outings' with a smaller group of friends. My budget stays the same - choosing expensive activities mean fewer participants, at home parties mean more to spend on props/games/food. The most memorable parties have been at home - we've done Harry Potter, spies, knights and dragons, an escape room, Robot Wars, teddy bears picnic - but they are more work. I enjoy planning them, but can totally understand just hiring a hall and a bouncy castle and letting someone else clear up!

Yes , always did parties at home for mine. They are teens now and do their own thing. But primary school years parties were at home with games and party tea. Just a handful of children. We didn’t hire anything or anyone. Later primary school ages also involved a trip to things like cinema or ice skating. We’re not in a big place- a small two-bed house with 20ft garden- and it was fine.

Yes I did, we only threw one whole class party ever, every other has either been at home or a small group activity/trip out/restaurant meal once older

Yes! I did one for my son. He's very shy and only has a few friends. They all loved it.

My summer born DD1 had her first proper birthday party this year (turning 5). I allowed her to invite 10 friends from school and we did party at home. All the parties she'd been invited to from school were whole class parties in halls. We simply couldn't afford that. All the kids seemed to have fun just playing. We had a few activities for them to do, but mostly just running around.

@KipperTheFrog ..so your DC had been to lots of whole class parties, but you only invited a few round when it was your turn? Does that mean some of the kids who had invited your DC were left off the guest list? I'd feel bad doing that ☹️

One party at home, the rest in a venue. Home parties are brilliant.

We do. We started doing bigger parties at the village hall when the dc were small so we could invite a whole class. Moved on to smaller parties of 10ish kids at home from age 7ish when the dc started to want sleepovers.

I prefer it as we can do more interesting activities. The last one we did we dressed the house up as Hogwarts and practised spells and played Quidditch.

@SuzieQ10 yes, unfortunately we couldn't afford to hire a hall, and entertainment, and feed 30 odd children and their parents. So it was either have a smaller party and or no party at all. Yes, that meant we couldn't reciprocate all invites DD had received through the year. I know for a fact not every child had a party/invited the whole class as DD hasn't been to 29 class parties so we aren't the only ones. So no, I dont feel bad.

Thank you all so much for your responses. I think what I'm getting loud and clear is that space is a must! Luckily dd is a late March baby, so although it can be chilly and showery its not usually freezing, snow, sleet etc. so on a good year we could quite easily use the garden if they came in coats. I'm quietly delighted that home parties are still a thing as I loved mine so much and have so many ideas for themes and games!

Depending on how much space you've got there's no reason why you couldn't invite the whole class to an at home party, especially if you are able to work out how many do/don't attend other parties before your child's party. My DDs birthday is June so when she starts school we'll have the benefit of working out what others tend to do long before it's her turn.

Where we live it's usually full class parties or no party in Reception, as friendships aren't that formed and also as so many parents work it can be a good way to meet others. I'd never risk that at home! But my 4 have had preschool and Year 1 onward parties at home. Party games, food home made if have family around to mind the kids while i prep or bought in from M&S if not. For slightly older kids you can rent a massive bag of Lego, or so similar home things, they don't all need to be outdoors or to have a paid entertainer!

You only need to worry about space when they are little and parents come along, by 6 you'll just have the kids to worry about and they don't need as much running about. It's fun, really!