Throwing a party - advice please!

[chinateapot]

So, I would really like to have a party for our family and friends. My 7 year old daughter is coming to the end of her cancer treatment (I hope! Assuming the end of treatment scan shows what we want it to show) and we’ve had so much support from so many people that we’d like to celebrate with them. But I’m not really a very party person and (I know this sounds ridiculous) I don’t quite know how to go about it. Our house would be a bit small so I thought we could hire the village hall but then I’m not sure what else we’ll need. Food and drink I guess (would t be cheeky to ask if people could bring stuff at all - money isn’t great currently as we’ve had time off but don’t want to be CF). Do we need an entertainer of some sort? Really I just want to see our friends and say thank you so probably sorting food and drink a good idea.... I thought maybe a few hours on a weekend afternoon so people can drop in?
Any and all advice welcome!

Have a 'potluck' and call it that from the outset. Everyone brings something to eat.

You provide the drinks.

I wouldn't worry about an entertainer, blow up some balloons, all kids will chase balloons and get someone with a speaker to stream music.

I would imagine everyone would be very happy to celebrate with you. I hope the scan goes well.

Sorry I don't really have party advice but didn't want to read and run.

I really, really hope the scan goes well and Im sure everyone will love to celebrate with you regardless of the venue and what food you put on.

We had a party this summer to celebrate the end of my DH’s cancer treatment. We hired a village hall next to a park and the children/grandchildren all ran and out playing in the park. We had some balloons and bubbles inside.
I didn’t do food as such, but cakes, scones and cookies.
It was a big success and something I would do again - but hopefully not cancer related!

If you don’t have loads of space and money what about booking out a space in a restaurant.
We have done parties in ‘Creams’ - a pudding restaurant. You book the space for a certain amount of time and everyone can come and go as they want. You pay before you eat so people can order as they want, whenever they want!

I think given the circumstances, people would be absolutely delighted to help you out by bringing along a dish of something. Bouncy castle maybe? Or just balloons, bubbles and manic running around. Everyone will have a lovely time I'm sure.

I very much hope the scan brings you good news.

Nothing to add to the previous posters but just wanted to say I bet everyone will just be so happy to celebrate with you all. Wishing you the very best luck for her scan results, you must have one very brave daughter. If you're able please do come back and give us an update

I hope you have your party. I would book a hall, ask people to bring food/drink no-one will mind.

Depends how many kids are there - an indoor bouncy castle might be fun if money allows. I hired a double decker bus with soft play in it last year was £150 for 20 kids. But honestly you can just give them bubble mix and let them run round like loons.

Of course people would want to bring something. Do a list and ask people to sign up.

Bouncy castle is a fab idea. There would be plenty of space for that and then tables and chairs for adults to sit and drink tea and eat cake at.
I do have the most amazingly brave little girl - and her big sister who is 12 has been pretty awesome too. I’m so proud of them both.