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?????

billiejo if you have an Asda nearby, their own brand choc coins are made in a nut-free factory.

Kinnerton is the brand you are looking for.

Just looking at their website, they also offer a dairy free, nut free, gluten free egg free choc bar! Available in sleected Sainsburys Tesco and Waitrose or direct from the website for 24 x 100g bars for £29.99 (sorry won't help with your immediate need)

billijo, my understanding was that we were asked not to bring products that contain nuts. I did not think that we were asked to bring products that were guarranteed nut free. The crisps and things that I am bringing certainly do not say this. If I m wrong, then I apologise.

I spoke to Coram Fields earlier and they are just putting tables and chairs in the room for us by 12:30. Its up to us to put them out - so hopefully a few of us will be there to help.

Is anyone bringing bin bags for clearing up? Also, what are you all using to put your food out? I bought big bags of crisps but have nothing to put them in.

I am sorry we have had so many drop outs. Hopefully we will have enough food and drink with everyone that is left.

IlanaK. I have also sent you an email via CAT. Can me and my dd take the place of some people who can't make it? Would really love that.

The more the merrier ragtaggle. Just bring some food and your festive spirit!

Hellooo, thanks everyone, sadly I don't live near an Asda and I've looked in both my local Sainsbury's and Tesco's for the Kinnerton ( Knew about Kinnerton because that's what my advent calendar is) should I just leave them and bring fairy cakes instead or am i stressing unneccessarily? as i say i've found and bought choc that say's "does not contain nuts but is produced in a factory that uses nuts in manufacturing process"

Billiejo.xxx

Hope you all have a great time

ks, sorry, I havent read about the nut thing on the thread as i joined late but was just assuming about the whole nut allergy thing.

SORRY,
billiejo.xxx

ok, i must have dreamt it - i have just read back the whole thread a nd there is nothing about no nuts. I thought there was a child with a nut allergy but can find nothing about it. I would assume nuts are fine then!

really sorry everyone for causing sudden panic!!! can I still come??!! best get melting choc then....deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la...............

see you tomorrow!!!

billiejo xx

Just had a quick look at the santa costume. I just want to clarify - it has trousers, a jacket a selection of beards and hats. It does NOT have a belt or boots or a sack. I seem to remember that someone was bringing a sack. Kazz - can you make sure your dh has a belt and some boots?

Thanks!

I am bringing bin bags and there is a shop nearby if we run out. Really looking forward to meeting everyone--just hope the weather is better tomorrow than it is today!

FYI, I will arrive with bubble liquid. Bring more though, if it's easy to bring along, just in case we run out. I expect to arrive by 1.00 pm.

Okay, I know this is a bit obssessive but I found it - JJ on 9th October asked for no peanutty things for her son but has subsequently said that they can't come.

I just had to find it because I remember reading it at the time!

Oopsanta, sorry, I forgot to answer your question - my son is six years old, but Ithink there will be a good range of ages.

We have boots but no belt. Unless someone has one they could bring along I will bring some string for that down at heel santa look.

Otherwise see you all tomorrow

Just to confirm that dd and I are coming - but I do have a cough so if anyone thinks I should not come then I won't be offended. Have just got back from ASDA where I got my rice salad ingredients - if I am organised enough I'll write the ingredients on a card in case anyone is allergic to what's in it. Looking forward to it!

ds is under the weather and not really up to 'partying'...so will stay at home with dh..

but I shall still bring dd If that's ok?..really
looking forward to it.

Ilana, thank you very very much for organising this;; and thank you to everyone else who provided Father Christmas, chocolate frog pass the parcel, biscuit decoration, stories, an extremely artistic reindeer to pin the tail on, and so on. We had a completely lovely time. I hope DD2 left a few sausages for others, although I doubt it.

We had a great time too and thanks IlanaK for organising it all. I was nervous cos I find meeting new people a bit scary--but it was lovely.

ditto to the previous..
many thanks Ilanak, very well organised and a really nice afternoon.

Father xmas was brill (get that man a full time - er, well, seasonal job!!!)

I haven't paid my pound/fifty tho, so what should I do? named and shamed!!

Thanks for the "thanks" everyone! I anjoyed it too, though am a bit sore and bruised from my fall!

We did come up a little short on the money front so if you didn't pay and wouldn't mind sending money, it would be appreciated

Right, now who is volunteering to organise the summer party?!?

thanks IlanaK, we had a really lovely time. the rice was great (recipe for sauce??), ds enjoyed the card making - well, chewing the stamps. He managed to grab a suasage off the floor I think- so he is pleased!
He also enjoyed the singing and bubbles - just so easy to please really.
But Santa was a step too far for the little one... hope he doesn't get nightmares.
Nice to meet you all, have a lovely christmas/new yr
And as much as I'd like to- summer may well be not the best time for me to organise stuff.