I'm a children's party virgin - help me!

[Cies]

Ds is going to be two.

We're having 5-7 mums/couples, and 5 two-year olds plus 2 baby siblings round to our small flat. I would much rather be outside in the park, but in late November, that can only be a last minute plan, can't it? And I refuse to pay for a soft-play type thing at this age.

So, how should I do it?

Tea first or last? All toys out or only a select few?

What's a good birthday tea nowadays?

And for the adults?

Do you do presents as they arrive, or at some other point, when?

Any kind of organised game, or just playing with toys?

I've found even two year olds like pass the parcel-little presents in the middle for everyone. Musical bumps/ statues but no-one is 'out' and they tend to drift in and out of the game. After a couple of games I would have tea as they are usually happier once they have been fed and then just let them play unless you need to calm them down, in which case i would play sleeping lions where you see who can pretend to be asleep for the longest. Action songs can be good fun too.

Not too many toys out and nothing that your child particularly won't want to share.

Birthday tea could be typical party food, or if it's easier for you a hot meal like sausage and mash or pasta or chicken pieces. If you do the party food thing,put the savoury stuff out first and let them eat some of that before you put the sweet stuff out!

good luck!

Thanks

Ah, action songs, I had forgotten about them, I feel some heads, shoulders knees and toes coming on!