Please help-first bday part for 5yo & some queries

[evelynj]

Hi all

My ds will be 5 in a few weeks & Im pregnant with dc3-only about 9 weeks & feeling rough. I havent the energy or money for a big soft play thing with loads of kids but feel I should do something-cinema seems a bit pointless though easy & our local bowling place has closed.

Thought the next easiest & cheapest thing was have 4 school friends & 3 other close friends (all siblings) over for a party at our home.

If I have some nibbles is it ok to go to McDs & get them all a happy meal?

Should I invite the school friends siblings? There would be about 6 in total-not sure what the done thing is but would maybe feel bad if I didn't & worried about parents childcare arrangements.

Is tea, coffee & biscuits ok for any parents who might stay & do I need to mention parents/siblings on invites?

Is decorating plates, pass the parcel & musical statues followed by 'free play' ok & enough for 2 hours-factoring in half an hour eating time?

Is there any better ideas I haven't thought of? Many thanks in advance for any ideas :)

Also, does it matter that he's been invited to a few other parties (whole class) & those people won't be invited to this small party? Sorry, I know this seems silly but I really don't want to put my foot in it somehow......

A party at home is nice enough - Save the bigger stuff for when there a bit older maybe. I wouldn't worry about not inviting people that invited your ds to parties previously.. You cant please everyone so don't put that pressure on yourself otherwise you'd end up with 20+ kids over!
A small party at home with some fun decorations, games and some grub is nice enough. A bit of music on in the background - tea's coffee's and some goodies for the parents is a lovely touch.
Maybe ask the other parents about happy meal as some people are on a bit of a health kick nowadays - might not let their dc eat mcdonalds. How about a simple spread of sarnis, snacks and cakes - maybe to match a theme? Check out 'Pinterest' for ideas and tutorials to help you out. Another great source for inspiration is 'thealisonshow' She has some great kids party ideas and DIY's! Definitely ask a friend/relative to help you out with making the food etc.

Thanks party-good links. thealisonshow looks really good but I only have the energy for something cheap & low key so will invite the folks & thinking have a lego theme-design & colour in paper template lego man upon arrival, have guess the number of lego bricks in a jar, a lego mini figures treasure hunt in the garden if it's nice enough. Pass the parcel with lego prize, don't eat tommy smartie then food of:
Cheese sarnies
Ham sarnies
Chicken goujons
Cocktail sausages
Chips
(Token) Carrot & cucumber sticks

Followed by lego cake & simple party bags with bubbles, warbling bird, mini bag maltesers & lego something if I can find something cheap in the shops.

Have seen on Pinterest the idea for a number 5 on a big lego plate made out of bricks which would be nice. Will try to get a friend on board to help later in the week. Many thanks for your reply :)

Sounds lovely, though in all honesty it is 100x easier to do soft play and let the venue sort everything.

Absolutely no need to invite siblings. Some parents might stay, and would appreciate a cup of tea and some biscuits or whatever cakes etc the party children are having.

I think a 1.5 hour party is better at this age, especially at home. 2 hours is the norm and would be fine, it's just a bit harder work for you. Line up plenty of ideas for games, you don't have to use them all.

I would expand the puddings a bit - great to offer cake but add some choc fingers and party rings, and maybe some fruit too. And they would love the food you're suggesting but I find it easier to do either sandwiches and crisps or hot food, not both. DD chose pizza and icecream (and cyoocumbr!) for her home party age 6, and that was simple and went down well. Sauces and sprinkles on the icecream are popular.