Birthday Party Advice

[BirthdayHelp]

I am relatively new to the UK and just moved into our forever house. My son who is 8 would like to have a birthday gaming party at home this year so he can "show off" his new bedroom and things but I am feeling nervous about doing it all properly so could really use some answers to some queries I have.

He's been to birthday parties here of course but I usually only drop him in so haven't much experience with how things go, or else they are held somewhere public. He's sent out the invites so there's no going back!

Here are things I'm wondering about:

1. Food - Planning on doing a buffet with pizza. I think parents will tell me about any allergies or should I ask?

1. Will parents want to stay or go? Am happy for either but would like to know if maybe I should get extra chairs and tea and coffee? Party will be for only 2 hours.

1. Games - He wants to play Pass the Parcels. Is that something which all kids will end up with a gift or is it custom for the birthday kid to end up with final gift? I've googled how to do it but seems mixed. Son isn't type to get upset but I don't want kids upset if they don't get a gift from this?

1. Son has had party bags from parties he's went to with a piece of cake inside, so do the kids not eat the cake at the party? Do we sing and blow candles out anyway?

I'm beginning to think I should have booked somewhere where it's all done for me. 😁

Just want to do right things so kids have fun and it's not unusual for them.

Planning on playing X-box games where they take turns racing and have music, food, et cetera.

Any other tips?

Also if I don't reply to posts I have an appointment soon but will check in later.

Many thanks!

1. Ask parents to let you know about allergies/dietary requirements.
2. At 8 parents will likely drop off and go.
3. Birthday child shouldn't win pass the parcel. A small bag of sweets or chocolate coin between layers is enough.
4. It's up to you what you do with the cake. I have seen both done. The cake could be pudding after the pizza.

The x box games may need supervising to make sure there's no arguing or anyone hogging the controllers!!

@Vinorosso74 thank you!!

Great tip about games supervision, will definitely keep an eye. Also should state here all games played will be PEGI 7 or below. (Mostly Kinect Sports game and maybe Lego games)

1. "Pizza and snacks- let me know if any allergies"

1. If you know the parents and want to socialise, i.e. wine and nibbles downstairs- otherwise Id assume and be fine with a drop off

1. Every kid should get something i.e. small haribo pack in between the layers and birthday boy should not win the main prize

1. Cake in the party bag for sure, after candles, cut and put into the bags hence its time to leave

I think the gaming is a bad idea. The ones not playing don't want to stand around watching and will get bored and need entertained. We did a gaming party but it was at a proper place with 15 screens so they could all play at the same time.

Small present e.g. a sweet between each layer and the birthday child does not win the main prize

At that age I would not expect parents to stay but I would expect them to let you know of any allergies.

@hopeishere Thank you, definitely something which to think about.

I was going to perhaps set up an X-box station, a Switch station et cetera and rotate turns but you really have a point there! Perhaps I should have booked a gaming proper place, too.

Thank you all for tips and answers.