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Parties/celebrations

Whether you're planning a birthday or a hen do, you'll find plenty of ideas for your celebration on our Party forum.

Original poster

Birthday party reception age help!

47 replies

Lalanbaba · 25/09/2023 22:32

Hi there,
DD will be 5 in November.
First birthday party and I am out of my depth.
She just started reception and we don't know any parents well. She went to nursery at a different town, but she seems to be doing well.
I would like to invite all the class, albeit I know not all of them will come. Total 35 kids including some from previous nursery.
For different reasons the 2 local soft plays/venues are a no go. One fully booked, other I don't think is big enough for like 20 children and a parent for each (very small venue)
So the idea is hire the local village hall. We live in a rural location.
But then what?
Food is ok, I can sort, rolls with a variety of fillings, Crisps, biscuits, carrot sticks (for decoration let be honest), minisausage rolls, etc. And obviously cake!
Lots of squash, water and coffee and tea for adults. Do you feed the parents?
What worries me is entertaining them.
Would a bouncy castle and soft play be enough?
Better 2 bouncy castles?
Do we need music? Or the squealing would suffice?
Arrrrg, no other birthday invitations so far so I can see what is normal.
What you put in a party bag? I know my kid would love a book, but is ok to give this away?
Thanks if you have read till here. I need some ideas.

OP posts:
Unicorntastic · 25/09/2023 22:35

My Dd had a December birthday party in reception, I hired a church hall, bouncy castle and a visit from some characters. Food wise I did a buffet style table but I think a sit down is considered a more sensible option!
I also did stick on tattoos, snap bands and pass the parcel and it went down a treat, just invite the whole class and give the invites to the teacher to give out, I got to know loads of parents this way.

Colourfulponderings · 25/09/2023 22:37

A bouncy castle in a hall is fine. I had games up my sleeve but there was no way they’d have stopped running around to play.

I did have a little craft table for the ones that wanted a moment or two to reset and that worked well. Apart from them, some food 3/4 of the way through and you’re grand.

Oh and some balloons blown up but not tied down means they charge around booping them as entertainment too.

Rainallnight · 25/09/2023 22:46

Bouncy castle is perfect. Ask the bouncy castle people about your numbers (ie if you need more than 1).

You could just also put out some balloons for them to go nuts with. That always works.

Crisps are a real pain to clear up. Crumbs.

Keep sandwiches and rolls really simple - ham on some, cheese on some.

Coffee for parents will be much appreciated. We always do parents’ buffet but we’re definitely in the minority and no one expects it.

Party bags - my kids prefer plastic tat and sweets but obviously there are sound health and environmental reasons for not doing this!

Other things - have a table for presents and bags to take them home in. Manage your DS’s expectations that he won’t be opening them there.

Original poster
Lalanbaba · 25/09/2023 22:49

Unicorntastic · 25/09/2023 22:35

My Dd had a December birthday party in reception, I hired a church hall, bouncy castle and a visit from some characters. Food wise I did a buffet style table but I think a sit down is considered a more sensible option!
I also did stick on tattoos, snap bands and pass the parcel and it went down a treat, just invite the whole class and give the invites to the teacher to give out, I got to know loads of parents this way.

I like the idea of sitting down for food. I can set it up before people arrive.
One of the main reasons is get to know people! 😁

OP posts:
Original poster
Lalanbaba · 25/09/2023 22:52

Colourfulponderings · 25/09/2023 22:37

A bouncy castle in a hall is fine. I had games up my sleeve but there was no way they’d have stopped running around to play.

I did have a little craft table for the ones that wanted a moment or two to reset and that worked well. Apart from them, some food 3/4 of the way through and you’re grand.

Oh and some balloons blown up but not tied down means they charge around booping them as entertainment too.

Love the idea of crafts table!
*gone to Google ideas

OP posts:
ferntwist · 25/09/2023 22:53

All sounds great OP. There are loads of cute and fun plastic-free toys and favours for party bags that you can find online: wooden bead bracelets, masks, stickers, DIY gliders, sweeties.

Definitely include drinks and nibbles for parents too and you’ll be very popular! Crisps, olives, sandwiches: either DIY or bought and sliced up from the supermarket. Have fun!

ferntwist · 25/09/2023 22:54

And a massive yes to music - there are loads of kids party mixes on YouTube. It will really lift the atmosphere and the kids love it

Cyclingforcake · 25/09/2023 22:57

The best birthday parties at this stage were like this. Village hall, bouncy castle and lots of balloons. A really simple craft/colouring/stickers table is good but don’t make too much effort. Some people
do bags of food but I always liked getting them to sit down at a table - calms them all down for a bit. Tea, coffee and some nicer biscuits for the parents. They’ll hoover up the remainder of the kids food if they’re hungry.

Top tips -
Accept all offers of help on the day - some of my best mum friends are from that first party when they came to help me lay out the food.
Take your own tea towel and plenty of cloths/kitchen roll for spillages
Don’t forget the milk (or maybe that was just me!)

Have fun.

Quitelikeacatslife · 25/09/2023 22:57

For your sanity make it no longer than 2 hours , trust me on this one.

thaisweetchill · 25/09/2023 22:57

Been to a few recently:

  • don't put food on for parents, but get some drinks (can of lemonade etc)

Hire a bouncy castle with a ball pit, the ones I've been too also had these bike things where you move the handle to move the bike, kept all of the kids entertained for 2 hours

Or look at hiring an entertainment team. Went to one yesterday and the entertainment was just brilliant, high energy for the whole two hours and it felt the quickest party we'd been to!

Buffet style food is the best, parents get to choose what they like, the party yesterday then put down a picnic rug and all the kids sat down on there, any mess was then in the rug so easy clean up!

Please don't fill the party bags with tat, we went to one where they handed out a mr men book at the end with a slice of cake, I much preferred that and money is actually well spent.

EachPeachPearNectarine · 25/09/2023 22:59

Agree with the craft table. It can be really simple too, I just had colouring and pencils but quite a few of the children used it at different stages.

Quitelikeacatslife · 25/09/2023 22:59

Another top tip is buy a large cake to cut up and put in napkins in party bag ahead of time , just have a little cute one to have candles on.

Original poster
Lalanbaba · 25/09/2023 23:00

Rainallnight · 25/09/2023 22:46

Bouncy castle is perfect. Ask the bouncy castle people about your numbers (ie if you need more than 1).

You could just also put out some balloons for them to go nuts with. That always works.

Crisps are a real pain to clear up. Crumbs.

Keep sandwiches and rolls really simple - ham on some, cheese on some.

Coffee for parents will be much appreciated. We always do parents’ buffet but we’re definitely in the minority and no one expects it.

Party bags - my kids prefer plastic tat and sweets but obviously there are sound health and environmental reasons for not doing this!

Other things - have a table for presents and bags to take them home in. Manage your DS’s expectations that he won’t be opening them there.

Edited

Thanks for the advice.
Crisps issue noted.
Balloons seem popular, I need to get one of those manual pumps.
And presents I forgot about that! Here's hoping not everyone gets her one or she will be opening for hours! 😂

OP posts:
Rainallnight · 25/09/2023 23:04

Sorry, DD not DS! I’m afraid if it’s anything like round our way, everyone will get one. I usually spirit some of them away for donation/regifting/distraction emergencies.

Katy123456 · 25/09/2023 23:07

Ive done a few of these recently, and gone to a lot.

If in a village hall go for either an entertainer of some description or a bouncy castle. Put out a table with crafts on too (simple pencils, stickers and colouring pages is fine). A few balloons blown up around. You could always stick a pin the tail on the donkey in the corner too (but not needed).

You can add a speaker with a playlist (likely will be drowned out by the squealing), and a disco light (if it will be dark enough to appreciate it). Both only do if not too much hassle or cost.

You could do party games (ie musical statues) if you like that kind of thing, or can equally let them just play. I find pass the parcel with that size group at that age isn't great.

Food lots of options - buffet or pre done party boxes both work fine. Jugs of squash and cups with their names written on so they can reuse work well.

Adults don't need food. Village Hall will probably have tea making facilities in a little kitchen somewhere, set it up and let people help themselves. You could add some booze and/or soft drinks too, and a plate of biscuits.

Books work for party bags, you could stick sweets or a small wrapped chocolate bar to the front.

Go for 2 hours - after around 45 mins of bouncing/entertainment serve food and cake, then they can go back to playing.

Make sure you are clear in invites if siblings can come.

EachPeachPearNectarine · 25/09/2023 23:19

I wouldn't do party games at that age, it's effort to get everyone involved and listening and they often end in tears.

Original poster
Lalanbaba · 25/09/2023 23:21

Ohh thanks everyone for the ideas!
I think I will go for bouncy castle I have seen some with mini bikes and ball pit bundle, and the hall I think is big enough for all of it.
@Cyclingforcake I will try to remember the milk!
@Quitelikeacatslife what do you mean wrap in a napkin? Don't you eat the cake at the party?
Also I don't think I have energy enough for more than 2 hours parties 😂
@Katy123456 is it common to bring extra kids to parties? Food does not worry me as I tend to over cater but would need more than one bouncy castle! Also do the extra kids need party bags? 🤔

OP posts:
Quitelikeacatslife · 25/09/2023 23:44

No usually the cake is cut and wrapped and goes in party bag. But eat if there if you prefer.
The book people do big bundles of books which work out great value instead of tat

Original poster
Lalanbaba · 26/09/2023 00:06

Quitelikeacatslife · 25/09/2023 23:44

No usually the cake is cut and wrapped and goes in party bag. But eat if there if you prefer.
The book people do big bundles of books which work out great value instead of tat

Ohhh, did not know this.
Thanks for the heads up!

OP posts:
ferntwist · 26/09/2023 05:42

At every party my DCs go to the cake is eaten right there with a napkin or occasionally a paper plate (not usually the latter though). Adults get a slice too. There’s always food for adults too even if it’s just snacky stuff but maybe that’s a London thing.

Great idea to give books, we’ve done that a few times. The Works do bundles of 10 for a tenner and you can order online.

ferntwist · 26/09/2023 05:42

And yes to party bags or favours for every child who comes

Rainallnight · 26/09/2023 07:04

Cake is always eaten at the party at every single party my DC have been to. Have never seen it sent home instead.

Flipflopflopflip · 26/09/2023 07:43

I think the cake thing may differ between areas, every party we have been to the cake is given in the party bag. Do whichever you prefer.

I haven't catered for parents beyond a cup of tea, and don't expect this for myself. Equally dont cater for uninvited siblings, either food or party bags.

Party bags could just be cake, bubbles, some stickers etc. Doesn't need to be tat. Parents love giving out a book but I don't know really if the kids love it. Mine doesn't!

Food, when it's a large party I prefer the idea of every child having their own picnic box or plated portion. There is nothing worse than 30 snotty kids picking over a buffet 🤢

Bouncy castle with music and balloons sounds fun, or possibly a disco/entertainer?

Goldencup · 26/09/2023 07:52

Katy123456 · 25/09/2023 23:07

Ive done a few of these recently, and gone to a lot.

If in a village hall go for either an entertainer of some description or a bouncy castle. Put out a table with crafts on too (simple pencils, stickers and colouring pages is fine). A few balloons blown up around. You could always stick a pin the tail on the donkey in the corner too (but not needed).

You can add a speaker with a playlist (likely will be drowned out by the squealing), and a disco light (if it will be dark enough to appreciate it). Both only do if not too much hassle or cost.

You could do party games (ie musical statues) if you like that kind of thing, or can equally let them just play. I find pass the parcel with that size group at that age isn't great.

Food lots of options - buffet or pre done party boxes both work fine. Jugs of squash and cups with their names written on so they can reuse work well.

Adults don't need food. Village Hall will probably have tea making facilities in a little kitchen somewhere, set it up and let people help themselves. You could add some booze and/or soft drinks too, and a plate of biscuits.

Books work for party bags, you could stick sweets or a small wrapped chocolate bar to the front.

Go for 2 hours - after around 45 mins of bouncing/entertainment serve food and cake, then they can go back to playing.

Make sure you are clear in invites if siblings can come.

Please don't " just let them play" as the mother of a high energy DS it will literally end in tears. A few well organised games are essential to calm things down ( Simon says, whats the time Mr Wolf ? grandmother's footsteps). Also don't serve the adults alcohol if you want them to effectively parent their little darlings.

TropicalTrama · 26/09/2023 07:56

-Every party we’ve been to cake is eaten there as pudding- this might be area dependent but if you’re first to host a big party then feel free to set whatever trend you prefer
-Picnic boxes are great at that age because they need adult help to serve from the buffet- contents are usually stuff like half a sandwich, packet of pom bears, carton of juice, satsuma
-Bouncy castle co will be able to advise on what to order for 20 kids
-Craft table is a fab idea
-Just stick a spotify playlist on, helps mellow the squeals
-Unless it’s morning I’d expect booze for parents just because everyone does it here; no one is getting sloshed or anything but you’re always offered a beer/wine/fizz
-Party bags: the kids flipping love the tat and usually hate books whilst the parents are the opposite; small bag of sweets, bubbles, balloon, stickers are the best compromise content IMO