We've booked an entertainer for DD1 and her friends (3-5pm) but DD1 also wants to invite the entire immediate family (cousins basically), which amounts to about 50 people (a lot of whom are teenagers and adults). Not a huge house and it's Jan so the garden's not an option (as it has been for DD2's parties, one of which was family only and even that packed the place out). We have this vague idea of an 'open house' type thing with family coming and going, and the little ones coming for a fixed 2 hours, but I can't really get my head round it. Kids party 3-5, then family turn up after that? (I know, the DDs will be knackered - but can't do it the other way round as I don't want the place trashed BEFORE DD1's friends arrive.) Also I thought of doing kids party food only, then ordering in pizzas for parents & family ... ??
Another option is a morning/lunchtime slot with the entertainer (if he's still available then), followed by the great family invasion.
Has anyone grappled with this successfully?
Separate celebrations NOT an option - been there, done that (seems to be a trial and error business this - I'll get it right by the time they're 21 - maybe)