How do you choose guests for a 5yr old's party?

[OrmIrian]

You'd think I'd have this sorted by now, having 2 older DCs that have been here before, but I'm stuck. DS is 5 next month. At this stage both my older DCs had a firm idea of who they liked in their class so it was easy. Invited 17 or so children plus assorted extras from CMs and nursery. Sorted. DS#2 when pressed gives me 3 or 4 names two of which are from nursery. Does this mean I have to invite everyone from the class plus extras from elsewhere. There are 32 in his class and a few others friends' DCs from the other year group. I counted it up as 36 potential guests. Cost is an issue but most importantly crowd-control!!

So...that is not happening but how do I decide who to invite as DS is being so unhelpful? Or do I just stick to the few he has asked for plus children who've invited him to theirs and go for a smaller party altogther.

Would staff at the nursery be able to give you an idea of who your ds plays with at nursery? Failing that I'd go for the smaller party with the children he's mentioned plus a few others. I definitely wouldn't invite them all, sounds scary

He's at school bobs. But his teacher might help.

I think I might get the class list and go through it with him just to see who get the nod and who gets the thumbs down.

Just realised that after I posted Was thinking thats what I'd do if dd (who IS at nursery ) wasn't forthcoming with names for her party. But I'm sure the teacher could easily tell you who he's friendly with.

I'm afraid of leaving children out as well. There's one little boy who always seems to be on his own and a lad from Poland who doesn't speak English yet. I sort of want to invite them whatever DS says but I suppose that's sticking my nose in too far.

I know what you mean, I wanted to invite the children of mums I liked, and tried to persuade dd she wanted their dc at her party, but she was having none of it. She looked at me in horror and said "But they are wild boys mummy" Think I would bribe him to invite the loner and the Polish boy though

at 5 I would teld to go with his party - his choice. I said ds could have 5/6 guests and let him choose who. tbh 4 plus your ds sound fine.

I guess so chasingsquirrels. I think I am probably trying to recreate the first school parties that my other DCs had which were really good fun. But maybe it's not to be.

but 5 5yo's can be great fun - organise a treasure hunt, party games, some party food. Enough to play together but not so many that it is mayhem.