Help from all you experienced party gurus out there!

[Marzipanface]

This is the second thread in two minutes - sorry! I am panicking slightly...

I've organised a party for my little girl's fifth birthday. It will be her first ever party and the first one I have ever organised and I am surprisingly nervous. It is also a chance for me to get to know the parents at her school so have invited them as well. Have hired a hall and some entertainment.

As I said in the other thread, I never had parties as a child nor really went to many so it is all new to me, so I wondered if anyone would be kind enough to advise me on party bags, decorations and food. To be honest i think I might have gone slightly OTT!

I have decided to do small party boxes with food to cut down on wastage and for ease of organisation. Does this sound enough food per child?

Sandwich of their choice.
Mini cake bar
Packet of raisins
Small fruit kebab stick (strawberry/grape/blueberry)

Is that enough? There will also be a slice of birthday cake at the end of party.
It doesn't seem enough but would be plenty for my DDs. Plus I have sweets to hand out as prizes.

Party bags

Balloon
Stretchy animal
Packet of Fruit Jellies - the ones without additives or e-numbers as I know some parents don't like Haribo.
Lollipop
Mini crayons and small colouring book
Mini magic Bubbles.

DH doesn't think it is much as the items are all very small in size but I think it is plenty. The last party my DD went to, I was surprised at how much 'stuff' was in the bag. It was very generous bursting with toys and sweets.

Also would parents of four to five year olds drop off or stay? They are welcome to stay of course and refreshments will be provided for them.

Any advice would be great!

Party bAg sounds generous.

Food, they never eat much but I would perhaps add one more thing to the box, a wrapped item that if you get lots of leftover you can use in future eg small crisps
What will the kebabs be skewered with? I would avoid pointy sticks.
Drinks?

I put put drinks and nibbles for adults as well
I normally put in invitation whether parents need to stay or can drop and go e.g 'an adult needs to stay with your child" or 'feel free to drop off and pick up or you are welcome to stay if you would like to' If you haven't specified that they can drop and go I would imagine most will stay. If lots are dropping you need enough adults to deal with crying, nosebleed, toilet trips etc as well as doing the food etc

Don't forget serviettes, tablecloths, bin bags, roll of kitchen roll always handy
Cake plus knife to cut it with, candles, matches

Have a lovely time

Wine when you get back!

Thank you for replying.

Yeah I think I might have gone a bit overboard with party bag. I may rethink it! Or use the little bits as prizes.

Should have said on the invitation about parents staying really shouldn't I?
I know there will be at least five adults and 15 children. That should be ok shouldn't it?

I have organised large scale events and conferences so why is a kid's birthday party worrying me?!

As far as the kebab-y things are, they will be on windmill cocktail sticks so are also a toy - naff? A friend of mine did it and the kids loved them!

All sounds fine. You have lots of adults and not too many kids. I had 37 kids at my daughters 4th birthday so adults had to stay!
Don't do pass the parcel, lots of waiting whilst fourteen other kids open the parcel

Have great time.

Party bags sound good to me. I too would add crisps to the food boxes - whatever you can get in small packets.

I have done pass the parcel with that number and more - just do 2 parcels and keep it moving.