To think this is OTT for a child’s party

[TheFluentGoldNewt]

took my 4yo to a party for a child at his nursery at the weekend. It was jungle themed and Ive never seen any parent go so all out for a party before. The whole place (church hall) was outfitted in themed decorations all handmade. I’m not kidding when I say it must have been HOURS of work in making these decorations. I’ve been to weddings that were less decorated than this. I’m talking themed handmade bunting going back and forth, themed balloon decorations (made not bought), a table runner, homemade props everywhere etc.

is this seriously what we are doing for parties now or is this parent seriously out of touch?

I honestly can’t imagine spending my evenings up to my elbows in glue and faff for a 2 hour party for 4year olds!

Saucer of milk for one.

Some people enjoy crafting, it wouldn't be such an effort for them but a relaxing activity.
I would love to have the time and the creativity to do that.

They might have seen it already

Where has she been gracious? She says she is an idiot about her mixing up the theme but I don’t think this is very gracious considering it is feasible that the parents who put a lot of effort into the party may read this or hear about it

I think it was ott and a bit pointless but I get it, not my choice and not my problem what someone else wants to waste their time on!

I'm pretty creative and used to adore doing things like this when my kids were younger. I actually sold several of my "props" after, I've made things for friends when requested too. Some people just really enjoy the creative side to things. If you have the time, the money and the inclination, why not?

You still sound quite jealous op, with your “pointless” and “someone else wants to waste their time on” comments.
She clearly doesn’t see it as a waste at all. Why are you so triggered by it all?

😆As opposed to wasting time posting bitchy shit on MN lol

I know someone who does this sort of decorating for her little girls. Not that she needs a reason but she's had a really traumatic life and her children being happy and having massive birthday/Christmas celebrations is really important to her.
She suffers a lot with anxiety and depression and she spends months in the evening crafting decorations for birthdays. It makes her happy and she's a brilliant mother.

Get it now OP??

I'm impressed that someone has made that. I thought you were going to say it was decorated and must have cost hundreds. That wouldn't impress me.

Maybe they enjoy arts and crafts?

On several fronts.

My kids are little. We still think about party themes and what they would like & I do make what I can, do all the balloons myself, props, decor, I make the cake, plan the games etc. I enjoy it, my kids enjoy it and our party guests seem to like it.

Would it phase me if anyone did or didn't do the same? No not at all. I have time and I'm "creative" so it works for us.

YABVVU and a bit bitter tbh.

I’m with you op. When my kids were young I’d admire the creativity but secretly felt sorry that their kids were deprived of the chavtastic tat that young children really like…

It’s for this reason I truly believe twee parents never fair well during the teenage years. It’s the equivalent of ‘we took you to National Trust properties…’ “we hand made an ocean themed birthday party that you don’t even remember…”

Was there a hand sculpted paper mache piñata in the shape of the Octopod?

I used to handcraft every piñata for my kids and involve them. So many happy and creative memories. Only for it to get bashed to bits and binned. We loved doing it.

The parents probably enjoyed it and I'm sure the kid adored it and was v excited by each new decoration - that's why they probably did it.

I cannot craft to save my life and I would hate doing it but for her wedding, lots of my SIL's things were homemade and I thought it was all so nice and really had a lovely touch.

I did a crafty thing with mine at Halloween - a very simple one and the results were messy to say the least but the kids loved doing it and were so happy with the results!

Just sayin..

There have been a whole load of threads recently that are a bit like this one, just a bit extreme in their pettiness and I have read some petty shit on Mn over the years. Just a bit too nasty. Either people are actually becoming more unpleasant and rough or these threads are click bait 🤔

Some parents love that. We went to one like that once, it was pretty cool. Mum was very crafty and very talented. No-one tried to match her!

It sounds lovely.
No one is saying you have to do the same for your child's party.
No need to come on here bleating about it.

What a spiteful post 😳

Be grateful your son got to experience it as he clearly doesn't get anywhere near the same level of effort from you...

Maybe the parent needs a creative outlet and it brings them joy.

You sound weirdly bitter and bitchy about it OP. I can’t understand why it’s got to you so much. People can do whatever they want. Maybe the mum enjoys being creative and making things?

I don’t get why they were “out of touch.”

The birthday boys mum obviously enjoys doing all this, so don’t really see why it’s a problem.

Why do you think it’s a waste of their time? May be she would think posting on MN is a waste of time. If she’s enjoyed doing it, then why has she wasted her time…. She’s surely used her time wisely by doing something she enjoys?