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Parenting

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Original poster

Do you buy parents a drink when hosting a kids party?

25 replies

redmimi · 22/11/2014 23:37

Hi, we're having dds 4th birthday party at a soft play centre and as I'm new to all this I don't know what the etiquette is. Will parents expect a drink? If not will it be a welcome gesture or appear over the top? Any tips welcome!

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IDontDoIroning · 22/11/2014 23:40

No I never did for my dc parties -and I never expected it when I was a guest (or rather oarent of guest)

NetballHoop · 22/11/2014 23:42

God no. Let them eat some of the left over sandwiches but that's it.

If it was at your house then I'd offer tea and coffee.

ReallyBadParty · 22/11/2014 23:43

I did, though dd was younger. I think it's a nice thing to do.

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mamababa · 22/11/2014 23:45

No. They get their own. If it was at my house then yes, but not at soft play

itiswhatitiswhatitis · 22/11/2014 23:51

I always do but I certainly don't expect others to do the same. So I think you're fine not to.

BackforGood · 22/11/2014 23:51

No. If they choose to stay, they look out for themselves.

Finola1step · 22/11/2014 23:52

Yes, first cup of tea or coffee. After that, they're in their own.

Only1scoop · 22/11/2014 23:53

Yes just one

Finola1step · 22/11/2014 23:54

Should add. Only for pre school birthday party where it's expected that a parent would stay (especially in a v busy soft play place). Once they start school, it's kiss goodbye, drop and run.

ZenNudist · 22/11/2014 23:56

I had a party at a place which offered unlimited tea or coffee for adults for a quid pr child, so I did that.

Don't bother at soft play parties. Adults can get their own cuppa .

number1daddy · 23/11/2014 00:04

I've always been offered tea whether it was a party at playgroup, soft play areas and so on. It's a small touch but makes a big difference.

Viviennemary · 23/11/2014 00:07

I don't think it would enter my head to buy the parents a drink. The party is for the children not for the parents. But if you want to by all means do.

Flibbertyjibbet · 23/11/2014 00:12

I always used to tell the cafe at soft play to bill me for one cuppa each for guests parents. If it was at my house I'd give them a drink, and I don't see why they should be out of pocket for having to hang around at those places.

ChippingInAutumnLover · 23/11/2014 00:12

Definitely not over the top. If you can easily afford it, it's a nice gesture as the children are quite young to just be left, but it's certainly not expected at that type of venue, so don't stretch to do it. Either way will be fine.

FelixTitling · 23/11/2014 00:17

I usually do, but by the time I've got the kids sorted etc, most people have bought their own. I think its nice, but not necessary, to offer though.

GingerDoodle · 23/11/2014 08:00

I wouldn't expect one at a soft play place but one of my friends took a few bottles of coke/ lemonade which I thought was nice.

Parties at home i always provide drinks and alcohol but that's a me thing - I like our paroles to be enjoyable for the adults too!!

Panzee · 23/11/2014 08:13

I had a tab running, think it had a £30 limit. Not many parents used it.

LittleLionMansMummy · 23/11/2014 08:46

Our ds had his yesterday, same age. We bought parents one each but I've never 'expected' it from others so you're probably fine either way.

dancingwitch · 23/11/2014 08:50

Whilst I prefer it if you do, what I find matters more is if you provide drinks for the children go have whilst playing - a couple of jugs of squash or water or something - as the usual set up is play for an hour before eating & the children can get really hot in that hour.

DaisyFlowerChain · 23/11/2014 11:41

Yes we did, cake and a drink if they stayed as its what I would offer if they were guests in our home.

elsbethy · 23/11/2014 11:52

We went to one yesterday (kids were 3-4 so all parents stayed) and didn't get a drink. I stole some of DD's squash.

PuppyMonkey · 23/11/2014 11:53

No.

Sidge · 23/11/2014 11:54

When we used to do parties at soft play, the places often organised a tray of hot water, disposable cups, tea, coffee and milk for a fiver or so which worked well.Worth asking if they can do that.

If parents wanted anything else or posh coffee they could go and get it themselves.

rookiemater · 23/11/2014 11:54

As a parent I wouldn't expect it but I would be pleased if it was offered. At DS's last soft play party, i went round and bought coffees for some of the parents, but only the ones that had arrived in good time as after that I was too busy bringing presents to the car and minding upset DCs whose parents had left.
Why not ask the soft play what they'd be prepared to offer?

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redmimi · 24/11/2014 09:14

Thanks for comments. The party was yesterday and we asked everyone if we could get them a drink when they arrived but to be honest most said no thanks or had already sorted themselves out as we were busy with the children. The venue offered parent platters of chips and sandwiches at £5 for a big tray so we did get a couple of those as it was lunchtime and everyone tucked in! I expected it all to be stressful but will definitely do it again, lovely not to have the mess at home!

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