Dd's 5th birthday in mid december

[Kazza42]

My daughter's birthday is in mid december. It is the first birthday since moving to the UK and she wants a party. I am due to have another baby two weeks later and the thought of entertaining a dozen or so kids fills me with dread. I really want to give her a party as she is so excited about making new friends in reception this year but, good grief, I am really not looking forward to it. What can i do to make an easy but enjoyable birthday for my girl and her friends?

can you bring it forward (not unusual in england)?

we are in a similar situation and will have the party in november so that we don't clash too much with christmas/holidays.

as for the party: hire a hall + entertainer. pile of chrisps and haribos....

I think this is what soft play centres are for! Not a huge fan, but kids love it. They can wear themselves out and staff will do the catering (and clearing up).

A hall and a boucy castle is another option, and some secondary schools will do a sports party where you get a couple of teenagers who run various games for the kids then all you have to do is feed them.

Second the idea of bringing it forward by a couple of weeks too.