Birthday party just after giving birth. Help!!!

[Ceolas]

DD2 will be 6 at the beginning of next month. Baby is due on 24th August. The other 2 children have had parties this year - DD1 a crafty party at home and DS at a soft play.

DD2's class are still doing the 'invite the whole class' deal, which I refuse to buy into at any time. However, she's friendly with a lot of the girls and has been to parties throughout last school year. Added to cousins, neighbours, etc we have amassed a guest list of 27 .

Now do I whittle this down and have a much smaller affair at home (much stress and organising with a newborn) or go for an outside venue at ridiculous expense but no hassle whatsoever?

One middle of the road option is hiring soft play and a trampoline at the council leisure centre. Not too costly but I'd have to do all the food

I don't know what to do but want to make a decision on this sharpish.

Any advice?

just because you get 45 mins in the party room doesn't mean you have to use it - ask parents to collect after 20 mins???? Just through a load of crisps/party rings/drinks at them and then do the cake & give out party bags??

I'd love to keep it small. But, we have a close family on DH's side with a long tradition of birthday parties with cousins. there are 5 of them to start with and my own 3 kids. She desperately wants friends from school too.

Don't suppose you get everything you want though...

keep a look out for those princess/shrek/blah party bags in woolies on a deal within the next month?

Ceolas, sounds like you have the makings of a very good plan! Just remember, if any of the guests' mums ask if they can help, THIS TIME the answer is "well, if you could just make a round of sandwiches" or "if you could just bring some sausage rolls". If they ask, they mean it, just take them up on it.

What is your budget per head for party bags?

Good thinking CarGirl. Have an hour and a half party and not use the last 45 mins.

I don't suppose a quick pass the parcel/musical bumps after a little food would be too taxing for someone else to organise!

Ceolas, you're like me, I love doing birhday parties.
BUT you do not have to do sandwiches, they are a faff and no-one will care.
Drop the sandwiches.
If you absolutely must prepare something (and you mustn't, you know you mustn't), how about cheap pizzas, cold, sliced?

Oh what about partysticks? I remember someone on here recommending them. Too junk foody?

You could do the food in boxes, so all you have to do is sling them on the tables - no plates needed. More work in advance, but less to do actually at the party, iyswim.

Ah, can't do pizza as DD2 is allergic to milk (and hence cheese). But you are right. Can do without the sandwiches

Jackie I did that once. It worked out really well. But I'm thinking if I just take it all with me other people can stick it out on plates when we get there?

Lets face it most children don't eat much they are too excited

A food bag/box each with

cold chicken dipper (s)
cold sausage/mini hot dog
few grapes
cheese strip (?) for those not allergic

Lots of crap to share on the table - crisps/party rings/cucumber

the cake

drinks

still get the parents to collect earlier than the 45 mins then they will pitch in and help

If you can get people to help on the day, then I think you're right - definitely go that route, rather than party boxes.

what if you're late and are giving birth on the day??? ( i just had ds2 a week ago and he was term +7)

Yes, that's the one bonus that comes with the cousins - sisters in law! I have another friend who might help too (even though she's pregnant herself!)

nothing like cucumber, has to be prepared and gets left behind.
Remember...

packets.

Now, we were getting sorted there, Beyonceen!

If I make it the following weekend, that will be 15 days post EDD. Not impossible but unlikely given my previous pregnancies.

don't bother with party bags? I am on a one-woman anti-party bag campaign