4yr olds birthday party

[talulahbeige]

AIBU To have an open house for her friends?

Ok, so we're going away for my 3yr olds 4th birthday, she's in school nursery and there have been a few parties, all invited, etc etc.
Given we're taking her to Disneyland Paris for her birthday I can't afford to have a big birthday with all her school friends and other friends. (40+).

I'm thinking of hiring a bouncy castle (she loved it last year and wants one again) and just opening house for an afternoon. I'll send an invite saying it's an open house between 1-5pm, come and go as you please. I'll also put on a cake buffet and drinks.

Am I crazy?

Why would you do that on top of the trip?

You are setting a precedent with weekends away and parties. I mean it's a way ott for a 4yo in my humble opinion that is

Eem yes. You'll just end up with a house full of kids from 1-5

That's a 4 hour party rather than the usual 2, rather you than me

I would just have a small birthday party and invite family. 2 hours tops.

You seem to be creating more work for yourself rather than less.

If you can't do a party because of going to Disney (fair enough) then don't but you seem to be heading for party plus!

My DD won't leave a party until the end. She's used to them being 2 hours long. Children thrive on structure. An open house sounds lovely for adults, but a recipe for chaos with small children.

4 hours is a longggggg time for a 4 year olds party! 2 hours is the norm.

I get that you're meaning for people to come and go but you risk ending up with everyone staying the 4 hrs! I would just invite her close friends for a couple of hrs. Buffet and bouncy castle sounds good.

Erm...you say you can't afford a party...but what you're describing as an "open house with bouncy castle and buffet" IS a party!

You're making life harder not easier!

I would do this. I have done similar for my birthday before and told everyone it was an open house from 1pm until whenever. It worked brilliantly and it was a huge success.

Yes! You might as well have a normal party from 1-5 and you'll end up with the same thing. Children will always stay until the end.