Think I’ve made a mistake (DS party)

[Dobbythesock]

I’ve organised a party for my son’s 4th birthday this coming weekend.
My problem is that I think I’ve invited too many children. I didn’t expect them all to accept, but they have! Only two people have cancelled.
So far there are 17 children going (18 including my son). They will all be there with adults/caregiver as they won’t be left due to their age.

The hall I’ve booked isn’t very big, I’ve hired a bouncy castle, which is going to take up most of the space. There will only be a small amount of room for tables and chairs and very little space for running around. I stupidly didn’t think this through at all. They’re all 3 and 4, so they’ll need lots of space to let off energy.
The party is 2 hours and I’m doing some food and the cake too of course, so that’ll take up 20-30 mins I guess.
I’m just really panicking about the space. The reason I booked this venue is because it was one of the cheaper options in the area, although in hindsight I should have gone for somewhere bigger.
I honestly didn’t expect all the parents to accept either 😭

@Bpdqueen I was thinking tables for them to eat at, but also for parents to sit on while they chat etc which is what they did last time I went to one at the same venue.

Parents will be fine on chairs pushed against the wall to sit on and tables could be brought out just for eating and put back

It'll be fine! You only need one table out, to lay your food out on, and chairs round the edge for the parents. You really don't need lots of tables. The kids won't be sitting eating in any kind of civilised manner

It will be fine. Don’t worry with tables and chairs have a picnic! When it’s time to eat throw down a few blankets and give each child a paper plate with whatever food you’re supplying already on it. 10 minutes later they will have finished eating and be up and playing again and all you need to do is grab a black bag and then pick up the blankets and you have space back for playing.

If you’ve been to a party there before with a bouncy castle I wouldn’t overly worry. Should be ok.

I don't want to put a downer on this op but this was me a few weeks ago for my 4 year olds birthday party. Exactly the same amount of children! In all honesty....2 left because they didn't like it and another maybe 3/4 kids just sat with their mum the whole time and didn't join in.

Pass by parcel worked really well. We did that after food to let their tummy's settle more before more jumping about on the bouncy castle. Pin the tail on the donkey was also a massive hit as well as musical bumps.

The kids who enjoyed it really did enjoy it and it was lovely too see them all together having fun. I wouldn't worry about space too much - it will all work out fine!

Most important tip - make sure you've got something to treat yourself with at the end of the day!

I’m thinking about printing some colouring sheets as well as the crown decorating and then there’s a few quiet activities for the ones who aren’t keen on the castle.

Pass the parcel is fine as long as you follow Lucky's dads rules 😂

Sorry to say this but you may want to factor in siblings. Yes it's rude to just turn up with them but loads do it.

Great idea! Wish I would of thought of this!

In that case you could have a quiet craft room in the reception / food area. That would be great for children who find parties overwhelming.

@Dobbythesock if you look on etsy you can get some personalised activity mats for birthdays to print at home so it can say your DS name and age. They don't cost much.

We went to a party there before with the same size bouncy castle and it was fine, although a little cramped.

Then it will be fine. Don’t stress! Less than 20 kids in a hall should be fine, even with accompanying adults.

Agree with this.
Musical statues and pass the parcel.

And maybe sleeping lions (or dead soldiers - whatever it’s called these days).

This and a bouncy castle, food, cake and goody bags - start wrapping it up 1:40.

Good to go!

Have fun.

And maybe get the to decorate their own party bags too - crayons, few stickers and some ribbons and just use standard brown or white lunch bags.

Ten/fifteen minutes right there

Can you get some cardboard lunch boxes so don't need to sit down to tables to eat. Parents just need a chair round outside and tea/coffee
It'll be fine , it's only 2 hours

I done this let dd invite 15 children to our house (had bouncy castle and party games) expecting only half then none as none of them sent back the rvsp but all off them turned up it was fine they all just played on the castle and thankfully it was only for 2 hours.

I remember making this cock up at my child's first party. I went bonkers inviting too many kids, room was too small and then mum's wanting to bring their husbands and their other kids and expecting all invited kids siblings to be fed too and receive party bags. I was like wtf!

Oh and I had parents wanting to leave their child in our care and return at end, kids still in nappies!!!!

This and a bouncy castle, food, cake and goody bags - start wrapping it up 1:40.

Made me laugh, as it reminded me of Liz party hacks when she was helping out at Julia’s daughter’s party in Motherland!

*Liz’s!

Any change you can have two sittings of people, as it were? Half at 1pm, the other half arriving at half two?

Try and spread it out a bit

I’ve attached some pics of the venue being used for different events (hope it’s not too outing!)
so you can see the size.

That looks fine to me, just have some chairs along the wall like a pp said and one table for food.

You sound like a very conscientious host. I wouldn't worry so much, I'm sure it'll be great.

Have you had the party yet @Dobbythesock ? Let us know how it went/goes.