Party for a 1yr old all ideas welcome!

[Amanda1977]

Hi, I am new to the world of children's parties as I only have the one child who turns one on sat. I started out just inviting friends and family but it has got a bit out of control and there will be older kids there too (ages ranging from 10months - 4/5 yr olds). As it was initially mostly adults my plans were to do pink champagne and mulled wine and a prepare a buffet of sandwiches, quiches etc. But I am worrying about the children, how do i entertain them? Can I just hope they play with each other? I have a vague idea for pass the parcel but even that is fraught with angst as what do i put in the layers as we don't really eat sweets (but I believe these are expected at parties...?) Also my house is in no way baby/child proof and I didn't like to put on the invites "you are responsible for the safety of your own child!". Also what drinks do i give to kids? I am tempted to stick to fresh orange but believe Coke is expected at these things...? Any thoughts v welcome!
Mandy

1. you are mad but well done for realising this ahead of time

1. Do not serve mulled wine with toddlers about, it's a bugger to get out of carpets.

1. Buffet will be fine - make sure it includes crisps and cocktail sausages and nothing that needs cutlery

1. Babyproof to some extent ie put ornaments etc out of reach, but do not go mad with stairgates etc - proof your possessions and let the parents proof their children, iyswim.

1. Put out a selection of the toys you have - older kids are usually more than happy to have a go with the shape-sorters, read the board books etc for an hour or two.

If you are short of things you think the older kids will like see if can borrow eg a garage and a bunch of cars from a friend.

1. Don;t bother with party games, but perhaps have some CDs with kids' activity songs (eg wind the bobbin up, head shoulders knees & toes etc) on in case they get restless.

1. If you don;t want to serve Coke don't feel compelled to - at dd's first birthday it was water, milk, tea or nothing. Fresh juice diluted with fizzy water might go down well.

1. Have lots and lots of napkins everywhere, and as many spouty cups as you can lay your hands on for the kids. Juice on the carpet is no fun.

Thanks, Mrs Badger! I have babyproofed to the extent that I have no carpets anywhere apart from bedrooms and stairs, but obviously not in baby's room! So not too worried about spillages and as the party started out being mostly for adults I really want to cater for the parents I want to keep the alcohol element. I went to a great 1st b'day party back in feb which was great as there were only 3 kids and plenty of champagne!Then I went to one a few weeks back and all the adults were offered was tea - I was a bit gutted as felt stressed enough anyway, I'm not really v au fait with other people's kids iyswim. I will definately sort out some party music. And fizzy water with orange is a good idea! I just don't want to be judged too harshly by fellow parents. How many bottles of wine do you think you need for 20 people, 6 glasses per bottle, party lasts 2 hrs.....?
Mandy

6 glasses per bottle?! depends on the size of your glasses but I would say that was optimistic

I would offer either fizz or mulled wine (plus non-alcoholic alternatives) and would get it by the case from Majestic or somewhere and drink the rest up over Christmas/ New Year.

remember about half the adults won;t be drinking (or will only have one glass) if they have to drive kids and partners home.

if you need more champagne flutes than you have, you can borrow them free from Waitrose

How was it in the end Amanda1977?

I'm trying to work out what on earth to do for my DS's first - and tips gratefully received!