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AIBU?

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Original poster

What do I do at a party?

96 replies

Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 10:54

Hosting my DD’s first proper birthday party with some of her little friends in a few weeks. It’s at a small restaurant with outside playground space & and a small bouncy castle. The restaurant are preparing a table with snacks I’ve requested for the children-sandwiches, fruit, cupcakes etc. The adults can obviously consume the food and order extra/different drinks from the bar if they wish. I’m also bringing bubble wands for the kids and probably party bags to take home.
What else do I do? Do I walk around sort of directing things or is that basically it, sit back and chat with the mums? Do I organise any games at this age? I’m just not sure how much of a role I need to take? 🤷🏻‍♀️

OP posts:
Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 10:55

Sorry, Dd will be 3, friends similar age, a few a bit younger and some babies

OP posts:
Ginuwine · 17/06/2021 10:55

I don't think you're being unreasonable to want to hold a party?

SweepTheHalls · 17/06/2021 10:56

I'd plan a few party games as well, pass the parcel, a treasure r hunt and musical statues?

SurelyNott · 17/06/2021 10:56

Maybe do a pass the parcel, they will just play in that set up really and you can’t do loads of party games in a restaurant garden and they are likely to just play as you chat?

Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 10:58

@SweepTheHalls @SurelyNott I was wondering if they’d need party games 🤷🏻‍♀️I could do a small pass the parcel, but it means getting hold of music and a stereo somehow, not sure we even own one anymore 🤣

OP posts:
Paripale · 17/06/2021 10:59

Sounds lovely! Maybe play a cd of songs they might enjoy- nursery rhymes / CBeebies theme tunes. At this age they will probably be very happy playing on the playground equipment and bouncy castle. I’d leave party games for when they are a bit older.

Hsurbbrb · 17/06/2021 11:04

In the setup you’ve described I wouldn’t bother with party games, it sounds like they’ve got enough to keep amused. With children that young they won’t be able to do much without their parents doing it for them anyway. I’m assuming the play area is enclosed so I’d be happy just to sit and chat with the other parents. I’m also assuming all of the parents will be staying as their children are so young, so I’d expect each parent to keep an eye on their own child. Obviously if other children are left in your care then it’s different

Hufflepuffsunite · 17/06/2021 11:08

If there's a playground, bouncy castle, bubbles and snacks that sounds more than enough! I wouldn't bother organising games- bet they will all want to be on the bouncy castle anyway.

Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 11:08

@Hsurbbrb Yes, all enclosed and all parents stay. Think I’ll have to dig a CD player out from somewhere 🙈@Paripale

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shouldistop · 17/06/2021 11:11

Did you post when you were first planning her party?

The bouncy castle and food are enough assuming it's a 2 hour party. Definitely do party bags, the kids love them and if they've been to parties before will expect them. They also signal the end of the party and mean less crying for toddlers leaving because they're given something nice to distract them.

shouldistop · 17/06/2021 11:12

If the oldest children are 3 then honestly don't do party games. Pointless.

OnTheBoardwalk · 17/06/2021 11:13

Nursery rhymes at a restaurant!

Will there will be other paying customers using the equipment or do you have exclusive use of the playground and bouncy castle?

EssentialHummus · 17/06/2021 11:15

I’m not sure I understand the setup - so there are other customers etc there, but you’ll have a table with snacks, sandwiches etc? If so no to CDs, pass the parcel etc. Sounds like there’s plenty to keep them busy.

Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 11:17

@OnTheBoardwalk The playground is open to anyone at the restaurant, the small bouncy castle I’ve ordered to be there. At the time of day I’m doing it, there’s rarely anyone there, we’ve all been before on play dates so know the place well

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LuvMyBubbles · 17/06/2021 11:17

Too young for party games just have fun and let them play.

butterry · 17/06/2021 11:17

You don’t need party games at that age, a bubble machine, some party music, maybe bring a couple rides ons if you have them at home already to go with bouncy castle. Paper party hats to wear when it’s time for the cake? Party bags at that age I would give a simple picture book (from a multipack), a bear fruit yo-yo and maybe colouring sheet with one of those stackable crayon pencils (the kind with lots of colours in one pencil)

Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 11:19

@shouldistop Yes! The time has now arrived 😬

That’s a great tip about the party bags, so would you do the cake say half an hour before the end, then bring the party bags out as a hint to leave? 🤣Do you bring all the bags out or wait until people say they’re going, then give them a party bag?

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Atalune · 17/06/2021 11:22

Are you expecting parents to pay for their own drinks?
I would offer something to drink for the adults.

Bksjshsbbev2737 · 17/06/2021 11:26

I’d have some drinks to offer the parents rather than expect them to pay for theirs. At that age It’s a bit young for party bags and they’ll lorn just playing.
In my experience attending parties I love party bags as it gets my DD to leave without a tantrum as she’s excited to get the party bag; doesn’t need to have lots in or expensive bit (Tesco has lots of party bag bits) but it just being there ends it nicely

GorekyPark · 17/06/2021 11:27

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Myusernameisnotmyusernameno · 17/06/2021 11:28

Yes you just chat to the other parents and take pics. DD had a pizza express party once and we were stood round redundant so ended up sitting and having lunch 😁

Original poster
Rainalldaylong · 17/06/2021 11:30

@Atalune With the food, they’ll be jugs of water and fruit punch/juice (live abroad so will be hot) the party is also in the morning/lunch 11-1. When we’ve been there on play dates in the past, mums have just ordered a tea/coffee, water. Should I be paying for those too, I really don’t know

OP posts:
Myusernameisnotmyusernameno · 17/06/2021 11:32

[quote Rainalldaylong]@Atalune With the food, they’ll be jugs of water and fruit punch/juice (live abroad so will be hot) the party is also in the morning/lunch 11-1. When we’ve been there on play dates in the past, mums have just ordered a tea/coffee, water. Should I be paying for those too, I really don’t know[/quote]
I would offer them. When DD has had soft play parties I've just asked if anyone would like a coffee etc

Balloondog · 17/06/2021 11:35

I would order enough food/snacks for the adults too as you're inviting them over lunchtime - doesn't have to anything special, just extra of what you're getting for the kids at a minimum.

HoneyzAiy · 17/06/2021 11:37

[quote Rainalldaylong]@Atalune With the food, they’ll be jugs of water and fruit punch/juice (live abroad so will be hot) the party is also in the morning/lunch 11-1. When we’ve been there on play dates in the past, mums have just ordered a tea/coffee, water. Should I be paying for those too, I really don’t know[/quote]
I’d just offer soft drinks to the adults. If they want something, they can get something from the bar themselves. I would definitely be doing food for the adults too, but not alcohol and tea/coffee. It’s only 2 hours