First birthday party - stressing!

[RockChick1984]

It's DS's first birthday next month and I'm so stressed about it! I've got no room at home to have people round, so I've hired a hall which means we have got family, friends and DS's friends all coming at once!

There will be total of around 50 adults and 25 kids aged 1-8 but mostly under 4. I have no idea how much I need to entertain the children or what I can do to keep them happy!

Was thinking about a buffet but we are utterly skint trying to save money, would it be really bad to have snacks for kids and tea/coffee and biscuits for adults?

Only 'entertainment' we have decided on is hiring someone to dress up as Mickey mouse as DS loves him so party is Mickey themed, visit will be for 30 mins, will this be long enough? Do I need any other entertainment, if so what? Can I get away with just having music on and letting the kids entertain themselves?

Also not sure how long party should last, I'm thinking 2- 4 hours? does this seem about right for all guests?

Sorry for all the questions, I've never really organised a party before never mind a children's one!!

Hall hire is free, so that's not any expense. Family all want to see ds for his birthday, so if I had to say who it's for then probably for them, but ds loves family do's so will be nice for him as well I think. It is starting to feel a bit like I'm weird for having a close family who want to share in celebrating my son's birthday!

Rock, I totally understand that you want to hold this party.
Is it a bit of a celebration of having had your child for a wonderful first year too?

I wouldn't have a party, simple as that - we didn't for either of ours. As I said, I think it's crazy going to this level for a one year old. You've got plenty of birthday parties coming down the line - I'd save the gargantuan organisation for when your LO will actually remember it.

That's a very blinkered view Octavia - I didn't have a party therefore you shouldn't??? Any other parenting advice you want to ram down my throat then criticise if I don't act upon?

Thankyou eagle that's very true, it's a celebration of his first year with us, not just that it's his birthday.

Am in a similar position rock - wd love to do small birthday tea at home but DH and I have massive, close families who all want to celebrate the baby of the family completing her first year, so that's not possible! We're hiring a hall but not got much further than that organisation wise (it's a couple of months away yet). Good luck and please report back with your top tips

Ignore the negativity!
I had the biggest jungle theme party for my little boys first and i plan to do the same for my new son also!
I am very organised so luckily was able to plan and save lots which really helped (also pulled in a few favours - aunt is a theartical make up artist so did face painting, close friends husband owns bouncy castle business etc)

I dont believe in the whole 'why do blabla, they wont remember it?' well YOU will remember it, as will the rest of the family. You take lots of pictures/videos and document it in their baby books. Why not celebrate being a mummy for a whole year too?
I say splurge as much as you can afford, go all out! Children are created to be adored and spoilt!

I am taking DS1 to disneyland for his 2nd and i dont give a toss if he wont remember it. I dont remember much before 10, so should i wait to do anything remotely interesting until my kids are 10?
Yeah right!

Happy party planning

Wow that's an extraordinary amount of effort you are going to for a 1yo celebration! We just went out for the day at the Zoo. Took the hassle out of organising a party, food, entertainment, etc. A one year old does not even know any better.

And I can see where Octaviapink is coming from. Where do you draw the line? Each year as the child grows up they will be expecting something bigger and better than the year before. It can easily spiral out of control. No one is saying don't do a party, but I think more or less expressing other ways of celebrating a birthday for a baby/child.

Your local children's centre/s will probably have a toy library, they often have bigger toys like ride-ons etc, which you can hire very cheaply for things like this.

Kind of agree with Timothy, Octavia & Rock (etc). Just keep expectations realistic, remember who this party is really for (definitely not the 1yo). And don't be surprised or upset if the 1yo falls asleep half way thru or cries in terror at the huge crowd.

hi

Try www.PartywithCharacters.co.uk

They did my daughters party and it was superb they do different themes and entertainment to

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I'm an idiot I posted on this thread by accident, please ignore my reply I was meant to start a new post 😂😂😂😂

At least you realised unlike other useless folk

I've done several parties for preschoolers, none of which were extravagant. I would suggest if they're under 4 not to try too much organised stuff - in my experience they just wanted to run around (shouting....) Also at that age they don't understand about being 'out' or winning so do musical statues or similar just for fun - you could get some stickers and put one on each child when you catch them doing a good statue. Also I recommend food after running around activities.... Also recommend cake fountains - like indoor sparklers to go on a cake - put on a muffin or cupcake though not on main cake but kids loved watching these. Good luck!

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