1st birthday party dilemma

[bunglemother]

Please help me!! DD is one on New Year's Eve and I am the 1st mother of the group to do a party - mine is the eldest - and I have no idea what is expected at a 1st birthday party. How much of an effort do I really need to put in? I have yummy mummy aspirations (!!) but no clue how to actually be one... Any ideas??

What time of day ? I'd do basic finger food for the lo's as a snack and have cake and tea for mummies. Entertainment - get a few toys out like balls, activity centre, ball pool or paddling pool containing balloons, play some music.

Do a Nigella, make pretty fairy cakes, stick a candle in one of them and open some champagne, sorted. Simple, understated and chic.

Have invited people between 2 and 4 - have 8 under ones, a couple of 2s, one 9 year old and lots of dads who would rather be playing golf..

I was the first one from our baby groups to host a party too and it was really just like a normal meeting up afternoon except that we had a cake!
The 9 year old will play with the babies and the two year olds will just play with the baby toys. You and your friends and the DHs can just ejoy yourselves! (get the wine out as well )

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have some quite competitive friends and feel the need to set the example (I know, clearly I am quite competitive too!) and am mentally making lists of cleaning, cooking and general stuff that needs to be done including making up the party bags - what do I put in those???? Who would have thought that it would be so complicated so early on?

you don't need party bags at one! There will be plenty of time for all that sort of nonsense

Tommy - took your sensible advice about the party bags - thanks!! It all went really well and I just wanted to thank you all for your advice - the only thing I would change is the weather and I think we will be having a summmer party next year!! They can all run around and exhaust themselves outside. Thanks!!