London - Christmas Children's Party

[IlanaK]

It was suggested today at the summer picnic at Coram Fields that a Christmas children's party would be a nice idea. I am more than happy to organise this but want to gage opinions first. Coram Fields would be a great venue again assuming we could get it. Here are some questions for you to answer or put suggestions if you are interested.

1. Venue - would Coram Fields suit everyone again or can you think of somewhere else?

2. Would you want to attend during the week or on a weekend?

3)I was thinking of a bring a dish or two party (sort of like today) and we would decorate the hall all christmassy and have christmas crackers for the kids, etc. Also maybe some inside christmassy activities such as art stuff, games etc. Is this ok?

4. WOuld anyone want it to be more multicultrural - a seasonal party? I am Jewish so I would certainly understand if people preferred this.

5. OK - the big question is cost. I know that today was free and people just made donations to Binkie as the hall cost £32. However, for a proper christmas party I think we would have to charge. My reason for this is partly the venue - if say 15 families came (about what came today I think), that is £2 per family for the venue. Also, there would be some cost for the crackers, decorations, etc. How would people feel about this?

Ok, so, this is just an idea at this stage, but if we want to do it I am guessing we have to book quickly. If people aren't interested, then I will not be insulted! However, I am happy to do it if people want to come.

What do you all think?????

There's a very nice pub in Lamb's Conduit Street though!

hi everyone,
I think we are still coming- I'va had a name change and a change of circumstances since last post! I shall def be coming if don't feel too sick as am pg again- hence the name change to oops- and more festively to oopsanta!
Sort of looking forward to it in a hope I can keep my lunch down sort of way!
Biketastic

Oopsanta, Congratulations!

is there anymore space? i'd like to come if i can

oopsanta - congrats!

thanks sis and tigermoth, bit annoyed at yet another xmas of no drinking but will get over it! Feeling very sick today- but my cheeky little 15month old is keeping me happy enough.
Hopefully see you saturday, though may be looking a bit green.

how old are all of the kids?
My DS is 15months (yes, i know was in the last post, but just thought I'd get the ball rolling)
Your boy is about 6 or 7 isn't he sis?
And tigermoth has an older boy- I seem to remember he kept my ds amused in the play house last time.
I'm sure ds will have fun even if I'm feeliing rough.

Hope you all have a fab time. Would have loved to have joined you but will be sitting in a restaurant having family Xmas lunch courtesy of my mum who is going to Austria for Christmas. (Think your party may be more exciting)

You'd better keep moving then oopsanta or we might try and hang tinsel and baubles on you , many congratulations!
Ilana, I will leave dd at home - I can't really do Christmas card-making with a maniac boddler chewing my kneecaps and trying to steal the Pritt-stick

OK, I've had a look at the food list. How about I bring a loaf of sandwhiches, some crisps and some biscuits.

Marina... V. happy to help look after dd between myself, Ks and you I'm sure she'll be fine (Sorry ks I seem to be offering your Nannying services).

Would anyone mind if I bought a friend? My dh is desperate to stay at home and finish the girls Xmas present (we're renovating my ancient dolls house) and he's worried he wont finish in time?????

That's a deal Wills, thanks so much! I did want her to see Father Christmas and meet the Mums!

Like the thought of a boddler chewing your legs, MNP

oopsanta!

Ooh Marina, I am happy to offer the services of my son and myself in looking after your daughter too - I'm so glad she will be coming after all!

BTw, my son stated that he is going to be an 'ambulance helper' on some days and a 'baby childminder' (ie look after babies not older kids) when he grows up, so it will good 'work experience' for him!

he may stick with the ambulances after an afternoon in the company of the Mighty Atom, sis!

I can offer the occasional benevolent glance at your offpring too, MNP.

But what about yours MIFM? Maybe we can set up a boddler bear-pit and see whose cherub can tear up the largest quantity of treasured early Women's Press paperbacks...

I like the idea of boddlers. Mine definitely boddlers me from time to time.

The phrase boddler is so appropriate. I'm reasonably confident that my boddler'd win though. I suspect she's going to be a blue eye'd, blonde haired (with locks) true Tom Boy. I've had to keep her nails short simply to protect the rest of the family, especially her elder sister.

50p says mine has both yours pinned to the floor and screeching for mercy by 2pm...what IS it with younger girl siblings? They're scary.

You're on for the 50p bet. And I completely agree about the siblings. Its almost as though they come out knowing that they need to fight for space iyswim

being boddlerfree, I am at the service of all boddler bearers. As our my sons.

Ok, just want to bump and put the details again for anyone looking. Some are not uptodate as people have dropped out,b ut the key details are correct. AT this point, I would say that a few extra families is fine so if you want to come, please do!

I think I have everything ready that is needed (though I may need a truck to bring it all!) I need to confirm how many tables we need. I was thinking:
3 long tables down one side for food (no chairs). Anyone remember how many were at the summer party for sitting at? We also need a few for activities. If anyone could advise me, I would be grateful as I need to let them know. I don't want the room full up so noone can move, but I also don't want everyone having to stand!