Birthday party virgin!!!!! What are the do's and don'ts?

[OnZephyrstDayofXmas]

DD is having a birthday party today. It's at our local Krazy Kingdom - big play place. At first hardly anyone was coming but since yesterday half the pre-school is now coming. One Mum has asked if her daughter's older brother can come - she said 'It's ok if he doesn't eat, he can just go and play' I said Yes he can come but obviously I can't make him sit on his own while the others eat!! Bit of a pain though as it means we have to pay for him now when we're already broke!! Is that me being too soft??

Does DD open her presents at the party in front of everyone so her friends can see or do they get taken home to do that?

My mind has gone blank now! There were a million other things I had thought of.........anything else you can give me tips on will be much appreciated!!

Would the second mum keep an eye on the first's child for you while the others eat or is Nan staying to watch him . Sorry but I think she has a real cheek, especially if she's not even coming herself.

The Nan isn't staying - the Mum said she'll be dropping them off and picking them up. It is really cheeky isn't it? My fault as well for saying yes I suppose.

I've made a list of names and not included the brother so hopefully she'll pay for him to get in at reception.

Do the parents generally stick around? DD will be 4 so all her friends are 3 coming up to 4 but I always leave dd at her parties and get her at the end...

dd is 4 and haven't left her at a party yet but she is still relatively new to the scene. tbh many, but not all, of the mums/dads have stayed at the parties we've attended so far (4/5 year olds). Depends on circumstances and child I think.

Zephyr, at the softplay where we had dd's birthday, they had it all in hand ie. would ask parents as they arrived who was the party guest and then would the other children be playing too?

I too was caught off guard as one of dd's nursery friend's mum asked if her elder dd could come too. I was exactly like you and said yes as was so surprised anyone would ask! Really annoying as it is SO expensive. Would be really strict next time. A friend of mine says to write on the invites "sorry, no room for siblings" to avoid anyone chancing their arm!

re presents - our venue collect them off people as they arrive and dd took them home to open.

hope it goes well - what time does it start?

don't forget to take a cake and candles

siblings should pay for themselves and be watched by own parents

you shouldn't have to feed a sibling but that's up to you

take a bin liner to put presents. Parents bringing additional children usually would pay for them and stay, supervise and buy snacks for that child.

I would normally offer to buy coffee for parents that stay, but not if more than 10 stay. Too pricey.

How did it go? Have you wine glass in hand?

Only just managed to get back onine - have recovered though

It actually didn't turn out quite so bad as I has imagined!! The Nan with the elder brother took the brother with her as he was about 8 and really didn't want to stay (poor boy! Why on Earth would his mum think he'd want to go to a girls 4th party?!) The other Mum brought two girls with her but they were no trouble and I don't think we were charged for them as I had said that they weren't part of the party.

The most disappointing thing was the actual party!! We got a 'host' to run the party but they were rubbish!! DD's birthday cake was plonked down in front of her and candles blown out before I even got a chance to get my camera out!

Will be so much more prepared next year!!!! Thanks for al your help