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!

None of your business.

Aw, I think it’s cute! I did a similar party when DD1 was 4. Jungle themed too with hand made decorations, jungle lunchboxes with jungle themed food. Jungle balloons blown with helium as a table runner. I had more time on my hands as I was on maternity leave and DD loved picking the bits with me and helped me make some.
We’ve been to more extravagant parties with freshly cooked hot Chinese food, Prosecco for adults etc, and more basic ones. I guess it just depends what parents have the time and energy for 🥰

I throw ‘hall parties’ for my daughter and do admittedly spend months of preparation in researching and preparing everything to her chosen theme for that year. I’m a single parent so it is more cost effective to do everything myself.

I also don’t post my daughter on social media so it certainly isn’t for any credit there. I don’t think making my daughter feel on top of the world by seeing how much love and effort I’ve put into her party is out of touch. I do however recognise that she is an only child and I probably wouldn’t have the time/energy if I had multiple children to throw parties for each year.

Why do you care? And you do sound strangely triggered by it. Maybe delve into why this has got on your wick so much.

It's quite ironic really, the fact that they went to all that effort probably meant it was effortless- something they loved spending the time creating.

If it was really that much effort for them they probably wouldn't have done it.

Different people value different things.

what a miserable thread

Perhaps the parents had adopted their child or had a struggle having their child naturally and are just overjoyed to be a parent and have the opportunity to make a beautiful party for their child and others to enjoy.

It sounds gorgeous. Some people are more creative than others, and really enjoy things like this.
I held big hall parties when my kids were young. I didn't go big on decorations but I made lots of themed food, cakes etc. myself instead of buying it. It took hours. I wasn't showing off, I just loved it, and so did my children. Really happy memories.
Don't be jealous and bitter, which is what you sound.
Just be grateful for a fab party.

You are my kind of mum, and isn't it fun?! Cheers to you.

Please don't let one spiteful parent put you off. Do you, your child will absolutely love it and so will their friends.

Why do you feel the need to judge this parent? Maybe they are super crafty? Maybe they have been planning for months? Maybe they had help from family members? Maybe they just wanted to make the party really, really special for their child?

I would be SO insulted if I’d invited folk to a party and they wanted to judge me for what was offered. Would you be criticising if there hadn’t been enough decor?

I know you’ve admitted you were ott but seriously, if this is what you spend your days worrying about maybe you should take up crafting?!