We had our dcs 1st bday in our home, just close family and our next door neighbours. (during Covid but when ‘rules’ were relaxed). Kind of open house affair like pps mentioned, Most guests arrived between 11/12 and stayed for 3/4 hours. It was a lovely warm sunny day , we had the double doors open into the garden, so most of us were sat outside. Playmats and toys outside for dd and younger kids, bubble machine. Good Spotify playlist playing low, simple buffet food, sandwiches, quiche, olives, crisps etc so not much work for us. I made the birthday cake the day before.
We did a jungle theme, balloons and garlands , it looked lovely. Most importantly, dd had a brilliant time, she spent the day toddling in and out of the garden, playing with balloons, dancing around with her young cousins and eating strawberries from the cake, plus getting lots of sneaky crisps from her auntys and uncles! She was happy and relaxed as was in her own home.
We did the same for her 2nd birthday and it was just as lovely.