Family at lo's parties

[deckchair]

Hi,

I am just wondering what people do when having parties for the lo's with regard to invitees. Do you have a family party, then one for their lo and their friends? Or 1 party for everyone?

Last year I had 1 party for everyone, my fil and bil went to the pub. (they had travelled 2 hours to get to us and spent at least 1 hour of the party in pub - I know it wont have been that interesting for fil and bil as they only knew us)

Just been speaking to my friend and she said kids parties are for their friends. It's got me thinking...
Dont know what to do this year now.

What does everyone else do?

under 3, mainly family, older than 3 mainly friends. IME only grandparents are interested in children's parties anyway, most aunts and uncles have enough of pass the parcel with their own lo's

I would say seperate as i think it's a bit akward all together!

My parents, PILs, and DD's aunties/uncle normally come to DD's birthday parties. They help out, chat with other guests and just "be there". DD likes to invite them and they like to come.

DD is 6yo and we see her parties, at present, as a good excuse to invite everyone - her friends, our friends with children, and close family. We then have a good laugh, and normally end up with close friends/family back at ours afterwards for a drink and to open presents later too.

In an ideal world, I would love our parties to be like Hulababy's. It wont ever happen though.
Mil was making noises about coming for lo's bday, but I don't want her to be the only one family member
I think perhaps inviting the whole family for an afternoon the day before may be the best solution. Then if they want to go to the pub, they can!!

I don't invite any family to my kids birthdays (already too many grown ups there), but my MIL and FIL usually invite themselves. Buts that's okay because they do help out, so let them off.

Depends on day of the week. If weekday, grown-ups come after school for cake and presents, then the party with friends and brave adult helpers is at the weekend. If birthday is on same day, adults tend to arrive at the end for the blowing out of candles then stay on for drinks and a meal.
Our parties are at home though, not a venue.