One guest at 3yo's party. Is that OK?

[mydoorisalwaysopen]

I decided on a small party at home for my 3yo ds but only one child can come to it. I'm worried ds will be disappointed - although he's never had a party before. We don't know any more kids to invite so it will have to be OK. His big brother and grandparents will be there too. I'm thinking traditional party games will not work so well. Anyone else had a very small party that worked out OK?

can you not invite some neighbours/cousins/friends children?

I've got this problem as we have moved away from the kids we know, so when DD has her birthday it'll be more like a family meal. I'm thinking of doing a day out instead, to the farm/zoo etc. Would your DS prefer that, a day out with his 1 friend and his family? picnic, birthday cake etc.

cat64 - yes I will do that. I think I am worried about the other child's expectations so that would put my mind at rest.

LIAGB - I could invite the children of neighbours etc but my DS would not know them so that seems a bit weird. Being school holidays a lot of people are away - I suppose this will be a perennial problem with an August child.

TheDoctorsWife - he probably would prefer a day out but we have quite a busy weekend that weekend and we don't know this child's family at all (the dad has told me he's working that day anyway).

I will do party games but try to make them so that two (plus DS1) can enjoy.

I'm afraid this will be normal.

When he's a bit older, sleepovers are good for only a few friends. Or cinema etc.

Trying to make it into a 'party' can be a bit soul-destroying, though I doubt it would be that big a deal at his age.

Mydoor, we have this problem too, so have just had DD's party 5 weeks before her birthday, but before everyone went away! I would definitely warn both children; maybe you could do a treasure hunt or something for them, so still a party game but less hassle with two! also, a nice simple craft activity.
as long as they know in advance, they will be fine. my dd just had one friend over for her 3rd as i'd only jusy had dd2, and they had a ball.

I am planning a treasure hunt, and painting a thomas engine and races - my two will play for hours doing a circuit in the garden to see who is the fastest. I may have to involve the grandparents for musical statues although as three of them are in their 80s and the grandads both have issues with balance that might be a bit cruel.

With 3 children you can do things that you don't have time for at larger parties, like fiddly craft things and face painting. For musical statues don't knock anyone out and aim for a 'winner', just keep everyone in each time and give stickers out.

I'd think about inviting the neighbours though so your DS can get to know them. Also any friends of DS1? If the one and only guest is poorly that day, or really shy, it could be a kind of soul destroying trying to get that party atmosphere going.