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?????

I'll ask mine tonight....not hopeful though. That date sounds great -really Christmassy. Happy to contribute in whatever way helps.

Can we come too!

Ok, so far this is the list of people that I think have said they will come - please correct me if I am wrong:

biketastic
binkie
prefernot
lydialemon
metrobaby
welshmum
tigermoth
kayleigh
aelita
blu
marina
ks
merrygoround
hoxtonchick

Hi, I have been umming and aahing about posting on this thread since Saturday evening and decided to go for it. I think it is a fantastic idea and would love to come with ds.

The reason I was a bit hesitant to post was because ds has a few sensory issues and is very uncomfortable with any loud, sudden noise - particularly in a confined space. Christmas crackers are one of the things that makes him very comfortable, so, if everyone else is happy not to have christmas crackers then we would love to come, but, I don't want to spoil the event for anyone else, and would totally understand if it was decided to have crackers as part of the festive atmosphere.

Of course, he may be more comfortable with them in a few weeks time as these things do evolve to some extent, but it looks unlikely at this stage.

If we do come, I'll be happy to provide biscuits, icing and sprinkles again.

I can bring "stick the tail on the reindeer" and balloons (and ds and dd, maybe even dh, but he is not ideal for Santa as he is also tall and thin). Can also bring fabulous tape of Christmas handbells, brass bands, music boxes etc. Sounds naff but it really isn't, promise (errr, also have Elvis at Christmas and Phil Spector as well as higher-minded stuff)

I'd support a no-bangs party, we can be Christmassy without crackers, can't we? And no balloons either. Saves us all worrying about babies eating the burst bits too.

Just on that (while I am sure this would never be in anyone here's contemplation) a rant: I went to a party once (during dd's terror of balloons stage, so bit nerve-wracking anyway) when EACH CHILD HAD ON ITS PLATE A PARTY-POPPER - one of those explosive streamer things - and ds, with his slightly obsessive text-focussing thing plus inability not to fiddle, had turned it upside down & with his nose within an inch from the explosive was puzzling out the tiny warning words.

so sorry but won't be able to make this after all. Have just checked my diary and realised it is a friends daughters birthday - hi grommit! - and she is having her party that day. As she intends marrying my ds1 it would be very rude not to turn up to her 5th birthday party .

Hi there - this sounds fun, but we will be away by the date planned. Sorry not to make it, but I'll have internet access so will look forward to reading all about it and will participate vicariously.

IlanaK - very impressed by your organisational skills, and your willingness to plan! Just sorry we won't be able to join in.

Good idea re balloons/crackers noisy stuff. Will volunteer to get covered in glue/glitter with ks if she will have me...maybe hers and my ds can be a pantomime Santa's reindeer

ok, we can do without the balloons and crackers if it means more people coming. It would be nice to have some decorations though - anyone want to volunteer?

So far for activities we have:

1. colouring festive pictures (I will provide)
2. card making with ks and marina 3)decorating biscuits with sis

Anyone else?

Looks like the only cost will be the venue so it should keep it down to 2-3 pounds per family depending who comes.

Can't wait!

I'm fine for a bang-free party!

Binkie, I think you witnessed my dd's tears when her lovely green balloon popped in her face on the Coram's lawn... .

Can't make this, I'm afraid, as it's dd2's first birthday! But I hope you all have a lovely time.

Oh thank you! I dare not tell ds anything yet otherwise he will be too excited for far too long! Nearer the time, I will explain how all the mummies and daddies agreed to no crackers and baloons because he finds them too upsetting and I'm sure he will be even happier than I am.

On the activities front, didn't Marina mention a pin the tail in the reindeer she could provide?

Provisionally I'd love to come. DH is going to Chelsea that day so can help me get into town, but won't attend (which is a shame because he'd make a great Santa)

Yes, I'll do a reindeer/tail thing, but it's definitely going to be a Velcro/blutak job in the circumstances!

ks, DO bring your embossing stuff. Maybe we can do a sideline in festive child-embossing!

Marina, to get the embossed effect you have to use a thing that often looks a bit like a hairdryer but doesn't blow 9away all the embossing stuff) and the heat it produces is much stronger than any hairdryer I've come across!

lol ks! I wish I'd tried the toaster instead of buying a heat gun and then realising how rubbish I am and giving the thing away!

Eek. That embossing sounds dangerous. LOL ks you have rumbled me! I'll be leaving the children at home and just doing crafts I enjoy...
I can bring Christmassy templates to cut round!