DS's birthday party. Am I crazy?

[hollingbury]

My son turns 5 soon. We've booked a place for a party. It's big - can hold up to 50 kids - with an outside space.

He's just started school but he has a lot of friends from his preschool and from time we've spent with others on the days he wasn't at school. Genuine friendships of his, not mine. And he's been asked to a lot of parties.

So, with some new school friends, the number comes out at 35. Am I nuts? It seems a lot but I can't work out how to cut the list down without offending anyone.

We have a music guy booked and I was going to organise some drawing and balloons and other fun, but not too structured stuff.

Thoughts?

In the kindest possible way, you are deluded. No 5 year old has 35 genuine friends

I had 27 at dd's 5th birthday party 2 weeks ago. She just started achool so invited her class then 9 or so friends outwith that. It was about 70/30 boys to girls. It was fine.

Meant to say we invited about 34

Not everyone will go, I would think that would be fine. Especially as the venue will hold that many.

You'll need a few helpers. We had 32 at DDs party. 3 adults, plus 2 entertainers. All 5 of us were completely overrun and would have been screwed completely if a few kind parents hadn't offered to stay and help. Set up, tables, chairs moved around, decorations, balloons, food and drinks, letting people in, saying hello to everyone, watching random kids messing about in the toilets, cutting cake, sorting bags to give out, ensuring no-one escapes, and then the clean up, it's a lot of work!

No, that's probably true - they're not 'genuine' friends as such! That's overegging it. Hahaha! Thanks for the delusion warning chocaddict1! But he has groups from different areas of our life.

Anyway, that's all helpful, thanks so much.

Well if you are crazy so am I! I am doing the exact same thing on Saturday for DS's 5 birthday. Whole class coming (none declined) plus around 10 other friends. Probably mental but it's in a hall with an entertainer and I am expecting this is the only year I will do it as by next year the friendship groups at school will have bedded in so no need to invite the whole class!

Hoviscats - good luck! Come back and tell me how it's gone. x

Well party was yesterday and it was totally fine! DS had a fantastic time and all the kids seemed to enjoy it. Entertainer was great so tbh all I had to do was help dish out food and pour drinks. Plenty of parents helped clear plates etc without being asked and I am lucky enough to have family around so we were all cleared up within 15 mins of the party finishing.

Pile of presents was crazy but it is all much appreciated and I figure this will be the biggest party he has so he may as well enjoy it!

We found a great venue for 5 year old gs's Bday party. He invited his Kg class and friends from nursery , so 40+ kids + siblings who just turn up and stay.It was a daycare setting which came with the teacher and 2 young helpers hired by her. She set up and supervised everything including coffee/teas for the adults. We took bday cake ,snacks, drinks and decorations and had pizza delivered. She and her helpers served and cleared up .It was the smoothest run Bday party ever and fun.