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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to uninvite party guests?

27 replies

ohohohitsmagic · 26/07/2015 23:18

what the fuck am I going to do. I've invited 36 people (18 kids) to my small house for a birthday party thinking it would be warm and people could go in the garden and it's going to rain. Help me!!!!!

OP posts:
SavoyCabbage · 26/07/2015 23:23

How old are the dc?

TensionWheelsCoolHeels · 26/07/2015 23:24

Oh dear. I'd be tempted to postpone due to bad weather - major sporting events have done the same, surely people will understand?

InTheBox · 26/07/2015 23:24

When is the party due?

MakeItRain · 26/07/2015 23:25

You can't uninvite them! Can you borrow any sort of cover for the garden? Can you spread the party throughout the house? And show a good film to keep a fair few occupied?! When is it? "Home" is out on DVD in a couple of days!

GiddyOnZackHunt · 26/07/2015 23:26

Argos had Gazeboes on offer Confused

mrsfuzzy · 26/07/2015 23:26

i'd postpone too, it'l take time to sort out but at least you needn't worry.

Original poster
ohohohitsmagic · 26/07/2015 23:32

A week. Kids age from 1-7. It's only a couple of hours but I have no idea where everyone would fit!!! I think I have maybe ten seats fifteen at a push. I'm going to cry. I can't postpone as family coming from far far away

OP posts:
littone · 26/07/2015 23:33

Is there a local church hall you could use?

TigerFeat · 26/07/2015 23:37

The weather's going to be ok next weekend, or so I thought.

Were you not expecting anyone to sit down even if the weather is nice?

sadwidow28 · 26/07/2015 23:47

Failing to borrow a gazebo to continue with outside activities (and believe me, that doesn't work because some children think they will melt in the rain!), this is what I did:

bedroom 1: Build a Den (lots of spare sheets, towels, wool, net curtains etc) - treats served when the den is erected and all children safely inside.

bedroom 2: A film (age appropriate) with icecream and popcorn for half time

bedroom 3 (or dining room): card games with little sweet treats. Snap, Newmarket, Follow the Ace are good for this.

kitchen: baking cakes for the party, putting snacks in dishes etc

lounge: blowing up balloons, making a birthday banner, making cards for birthday child/colouring.

At least two adults supervising per room whilst you finish off the party food. (Do a swap-over rota so adults can join in the adult time)

sadwidow28 · 26/07/2015 23:49

Do you have a utility room where this could be an activity?

www.youtube.com/watch?t=15&v=6vBN1k3Si4Y

cogitosum · 26/07/2015 23:51

We had the same planned for today and managed to get a hall yesterday. Thank fuck as we were expecting 20 and ended up with about 50!

MidniteScribbler · 27/07/2015 00:19

Wouldn't you still need chairs, regardless of the weather? Or were people just going to be standing around all day?

GiddyOnZackHunt · 27/07/2015 00:39

Blankets in the garden. Ask people to bring garden chairs.

LovesYoungDream · 27/07/2015 01:15

Yanbu to postpone or you could try renting the local parish hall/community centre? Homestore+more were doing a sale on garden stuff, they might have a suitable outdoor cover?

OhWotIsItThisTime · 27/07/2015 06:17

Gazebo. Clear out the shed, put in fairy lights and use it as a party den. Borrow some tents - kiddy party dens.

crazykat · 27/07/2015 06:21

I'd either try renting a hall or get a gazebo or two for the garden, if some guests are travelling then it's more difficult to postpone for a week.

It all depends on the type of people you've invited, my family would carry on regardless and just make the best of it and my dcs would happily play out in the rain, some friends are the opposite and must believe they'll melt in the rain.

Flossyfloof · 27/07/2015 07:08

Get people to bring along chairs or beanbags. Smaller kids can have cushions or laps.

TagineKaput · 27/07/2015 07:18

I wouldn't necessarily believe the weather forecast for a week away, it may well end up being fine. But if not then I don't think you can cancel / uninvited people, just go with some of the suggestions above.

Original poster
ohohohitsmagic · 27/07/2015 07:32

we are lucky enough to have two gorgeous spacious very comfortable outside seating areas but the seats are huge and would take up too much room inside.

I already thought of bedroom play and tent play but there one kid I have to invite who frequently whacks other kids so I can't trust that child not to ruin everything for everyone. supervised is a good idea though, I hadn't thought of that. I'd prefer people not to be upstairs but I don't see what choice I have.

The tent idea is great but we have some special princes and princesses who would indeed melt in the rain so if some don't go then will they all not go?

We don't have a shed but I do have a tent I could throw some glowsticks and toys in......

These are great ideas people....

OP posts:
Turquoiseblue · 27/07/2015 08:06

I would go with hiring a local hall or room in a local pub if you could.

SeriouslyIRegisteredtoAskThis · 27/07/2015 08:31

Just send an email saying "the party is in the garden and will be happening whatever the weather, please come dressed appropriately"

pilates · 27/07/2015 08:51

Op, not sure where you live but I thought most of the UK are getting nice weather for next week.

SheHasAWildHeart · 27/07/2015 09:06

My neighbour but one has a gazebo and every so often they have a little party with fairy lights up - everyone always sounds like they're having a fun time!

TendonQueen · 27/07/2015 09:18

If you'd prefer people not to be upstairs, then I would definitely look for a local church hall. It won't cost much. People would have to go upstairs to use bathroom, get coats etc anyway and it's hard to stop kids nosing around. You can easily get pound shop type stickers, tattoos etc and set up some games in the hall.

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