Child's birthday party at home - what am I letting myself in for?

[WindmillsOfMyMind12]

Ok, so I've not done a DIY birthday party at home before. My ds will be turning 5 and will be having about 12 children at his party in two weeks. This includes a few younger siblings including dd who's 1.
I'm keeping everything crossed that the weather will be OK as we've got a massive tent we're going to decorate up. It is waterproof at least if not, plus a gazebo. We'll have toys, activities and a craft out on the patio and in the lounge for some free play. Then I wanted to do a couple of party games before or after having some food. Maybe pass the parcel? Musical statues? The usual.

Does that sound OK? Any tips? Am I absolutely mad for doing this? Lol

Yes, sounds great, but make sure you have enough useful adults to help......one to look after the 1 yr old to start with. Someone who isn't managing the guests, to manage the food, and so forth.

I mean, I wouldn't invite 12....I'd invite about 5 or 6, but up to you......

I always had birthday parties at home. I was fortunate enough to have a large square hall and a large front room. Plenty of space for children to play games. They liked musical chairs, pass the parcel, what's the time, Mr wolf, statues, blind man's buff...For eating it was traditional birthday fare, easy to put together. Sandwiches, sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, jelly and ice cream, chocolate biscuits, crisps...
It was all such fun and so easy.

We just had my 5 yo DD's party at home today. We're shattered but I'm glad we did it this way. The structure was craft, games (Pass the parcel and Pin the tail on the donkey), cake/birthday tea, piñata. They also did some spontaneous free play in the playroom. 2 hours flew by. There were 5 guests and my older DD, so 7 children in total and that felt like a good number. I wouldn't want to do a traditional party at home for too many more than that. Two friends whose DDs were guests stayed throughout, and the extra pairs of adult hands really helped. But too many adults I actually find difficult, because you end up catering to them in addition to running the party!

@Kite22 12 are invited but I think it's actually going to be more like 7 or 8. A few people have been very vague about whether they can come (why do people do that 🤔).