AIBU to piss on their bonfire

[olympicsrock]

A few months ago, I had a good idea. My son will be 2 within a few days of 2 little friends. I get on very well with their Mums and suggested a joint party as they have little friends in common. One of the Mums will have a 3 week old baby and was not planning a party at all. I've just been emailed a suggested guest list of 50 toddlers plus their baby siblings and parents for the planned softplay in the village hall and suggestions for booze, food etc. I'm pretty horrified at the idea of catering for over 100 people particularly when we know less than half of the guests and have tried to send a diplomatic email voicing reservations.

That sounds like an absolute nightmare, but then, you did start it by suggesting you hold a joint party and invite other folk....

Oh for goodness sake, don't mess about, just email now and say you've decided you'd rather not do a big party. Say on reflection you're going to have a small family do.

Yes absolute nightmare is how I feel. I imagined 30 children invited 25 max turning up as we all live in the same small village. Imagine the racket of them all fighting. I thought this would reduce stress not add to it.

Surely they're expecting you to arrange it between you, not for you to do it all?

I'd email back and suggest dividing up jobs and costs

Bloody hell I would opt out, sounds like a nightmeare

No Way No How. Don't do it. Put a stop to that idea now. 'Remember the idea was to share the load ladies not double it. Do you not have older children, 1 million parties later I am older and wiser and have not expected to be catered for as a parent.

Sounds like a good time to remember you need to go away that weekend. Far, far away.

Whew! I'd lay my cards on the table and say I was overwhelmed at the size guest list, and have realized you are not up for such a challenge.
You are going to have a less ambitious tea party instead at home.

Good luck!

Maybe they feel obliged to do the joint party and are trying to find ways to encourage you to change your mind.

Good grief. I just used to ask my mates round for cake on the lawn when mine were that age.

Just be honest, tell them catering for 100 people is a slightly daunting fucking terrifying prospect and you don't think it is manageable.

The same thing happened to me years ago. Friend and I had completely different ideas about what the party would be. She wanted a massive thing like you describe and we didn't. We went along with it to save falling out because she had already booked the hall etc but in hindsight we should have talked about it in more detail and backed out at an early stage. It was silly of us really because our Dd was incredibly shy then and hated the whole thing! Back out now gracefully while you still can.