How do I put it nicely to relatives that I don't want them coming round between 2 and 4 on sunday..

[SammyK]

as ds is having a little party with 10 children he likes (friends and small cousins).

It is his birthday on wed but we have moved it to sunday.

Family always come round and I like this - but would rather they came before or after his little party as my house will be chaos otherwise!

Any ideas how to word it? Will be telling everyone by text or email.

Ask them to come for a sice of cake at 5.30pm?

tell them it will be a riot with lots of screaming children

thatll put them off

CG that's a good idea everyone loves cake.

NP - it won't deter them, the rellies with older kids will be put out and come round with them on badness, older kids will wind ds up, eat all the little kiddy food and generally get on my nerves!

Think I will invite everyone afterwards for tea and cake.

'Come and help us relax and be civilised again after the hordes have gone! We'll need adult company by then.'

Ok how's this..

We are celebrating __'s 4th Birthday this sunday, he is having a party 2-4pm with his little friends, but would love it if you could come afterwards when there is more space in the house, for a slice of birthday cake with him at 4.30pm.

Like the adult company bit bridie

x posts

leave out the "he is having a party 2-4" don't mention that, say "come along at 4.30 for his birthday tea,"

dithering, I am in two minds whether to mention the party or not, can't decide! The reasonable ones will understand, the others will not.

Don't mention the party.

Invite them for 5pm as it will give you more time and some of the party children may not have left by 4.30.

Ok I have sent texts out.

We are celebrating _'s 4th birthday this sunday, everyone is welcome to come at 5pm for birthday cake and a cuppa.

Perfect.

Time will tell - one of them is bound to turn up in the middle of the party uninvited and expect me to entertain them as well.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

everything will be fine sammyk. Enjoy yourselves and "punish" early relatives by making them act as ponies/slaves/pinyata(sp) the donkey (as in pin the tail on)

LOL have vision of relatives dangling from trees whilst hoardes of 4 yr olds beat them black and blue!!

Party went well and relatives stuck to allocated time

well the ones who even acknowledged my invitation and turned up did anyway!