Party not allowed-what now?

[Rainalldaylong]

Hi all,

I posted some time ago about my toddler DD’s first proper party (will be 3)
Where we are (not U.K.) numbers have started rising, still low, but a few times have come back in and one is that they can’t do the party now where I’d planned (outside playground area of restaurant) we had a small bouncy castle booked and the restaurant was catering all the food etc.
The party was due to be next week, I’ll message everyone tomorrow. Luckily I hadn’t had to pay anything for the castle and food etc yet, but her cake is being made and picked up the day before. The party isn’t on her actual birthday as on that day, we’re having it with my parents and I’ll bake her cake (lucky girl 😬😂)
So, basically, I’m left with a cake and no venue. Our garden is a fair size but not big enough and with changes in rules etc, I’m not so sure.
Would it be rubbish to explain the situation to the parents and say I’m going to take her cake to the local playground, it’s by the beach and a large green space under the trees would be nice to put a big blanket out and have the cake, then the kids play in the playground 🤷🏻‍♀️It’s not a party, but is it ok?
Should I still bring their party bags and bubble wands for each of them? They could play with them on the grass and in the playground. I could bring some juice and cupcakes perhaps, but too fussy to do a whole spread there on the grass.
Anyone great at parties/birthdays and what are your thoughts?

I think this sounds like a lovely party!

*A few rules have come back in

Sounds great actually

Go for it…. It’s better than nothing at all

I think that sounds like a great option! My DS's 2nd birthday was due to be in a few weeks time. I moved it back a week for when rules hopefully drop and was able to keep the same venue and most people can still come.

A few friends hid party bags in the park for other friends to find during first lockdown.

It’s hard to know whether this is ok as we don’t know the rules in your country about non-family/ household groups meeting up.

As a party (ignoring COVID) it sounds lovely. Especially the bubbles blowing!

It’s not a party, but is it ok?

How would anyone here know when we don't know what country you are in and what restrictions are in force?

@AquaticLicence Sorry I’m not talking about is it ok regarding covid and restrictions etc, just generally does it sound ok to do this as a sort of party?

I saw someone doing a party in the park at the weekend (I assume - big bunches of helium balloons tied to a picnic table and a heap of kids playing with their scooters and bubbles). Go for it!

This sounds an absolutely lovely party. Maybe provide some drink for them too?

Juice, cake and bubbles - think I want to go too!

@LepusLepus 🤣

Drink for who too?

Pretty much exactly what we did for my DD last year. She had a great time.

That sounds a lovely plan B.

@Rainalldaylong - sorry I meant the children - then saw that you'd suggested it yourself anyway and forgot to delete that bit.

But maybe parents might appreciate something cool and alcohol free too - like fruit juice.

Disclaimer - it's decades since I did a childrens party....Decades I tell ya!!

I do hope you have a lovely party whatever you do.

@LepusLepus I did wonder if I needed to bring booze for them? But it’s in the park at 11 am? 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

Also do I need to make sandwiches etc or not bother with all that

It sounds exactly like a 3yo's party to me.

I did the twice for my 8 year old earlier this year - the kids loved it. For one I sent husband off to get macdonalds and the other I did a picnic with Prosecco and gin for the mums.
Your DC will and friends will have a great time. They don’t really need the bouncy castle

@Idontgiveagriffindamn Should I do a full
Picnic with sandwiches etc? Or just bring the cake, cupcakes and juices? I thought I could lay a large, nice blanket down, tie balloons to the tree and we could do the cake and juices, then the children could play with the bubbles and head onto the playground itself. I’m not sure where the party bags would fit into that though? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, do you think parents would bring presents to that, if it’s just an invite to have cake at the playground? I’m not asking because I want presents 🤣I’m needing to know if they would as to where to put the presents etc and to take them back to the car (wouldn’t want Dd opening then there and then)

That sounds lovely. Some friends did that for their DD in a lovely big city park when my DS was about 4 because their flat was tiny. The mums ended up drinking wine on the blankets whilst the dads charged about with the kids.

One of my favourite little kid party memories actually!

@Idontgiveagriffindamn Also, should I bring wine/Prosecco for the mums if it’s at 11am? Could I serve it in the party cups 🙈🤷🏻‍♀️🤣
It’s not really a picnic area you see, just under the trees

[quote Rainalldaylong]@Idontgiveagriffindamn Should I do a full
Picnic with sandwiches etc? Or just bring the cake, cupcakes and juices? I thought I could lay a large, nice blanket down, tie balloons to the tree and we could do the cake and juices, then the children could play with the bubbles and head onto the playground itself. I’m not sure where the party bags would fit into that though? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, do you think parents would bring presents to that, if it’s just an invite to have cake at the playground? I’m not asking because I want presents 🤣I’m needing to know if they would as to where to put the presents etc and to take them back to the car (wouldn’t want Dd opening then there and then)[/quote]
I’d take a little picnic as it will be over lunch. And you may find they leave early to get something otherwise.
My DS did get presents so I imagine people would bring them. I didn’t do party bags but mainly as I forgot 🙈
The booze was appropriate as I know the other 2 mums well (and they also brought some!).
But honestly don’t overthink it. They’ll have a great time. Parties for 3 year olds are easy as they don’t really care. You’ve got years ahead of you to do parties to exact requirements 🤣

[quote Rainalldaylong]@Idontgiveagriffindamn Also, should I bring wine/Prosecco for the mums if it’s at 11am? Could I serve it in the party cups 🙈🤷🏻‍♀️🤣
It’s not really a picnic area you see, just under the trees[/quote]
Ours was also just under the trees.
The booze depends on how well you know the parents I think. I wouldn’t have done it for non friends. But all my friends would appreciate it - especially if the park is within walking distance

@Rainalldaylong

If I recall we were asked to bring a tupperware of something. You could do this food yourself easily enough - watermelon slices, carrot and cucumber sticks, lots of corn snacks, little bread buns, I made a hotdog hedgehog. That sort of thing. Very simple things that you can easily hold in your hand. Bring a big pack of wipes for messy hands and faces.

We took gifts and unwrapped them there - just take a bin bag and take everything home so you aren't stuffing up the park bins.

Sounds like the perfect party for a three year old. I wouldn't bother with much more than that at that age regardless of Covid!