Party Dilema!

[BusyMummyof3]

My DD's were born on the same day and we have always has a joint party with a few friends. This year is a bit different though as DD1 (will be 5) started reception in September and DD2(will be 3) started pre-school 2 mornings a week.

So far it seems when any of DD1's friends have had a party the whole class is invited. So I feel I should do the same. Also, DD1 has found it quite hard joining in with the rest of the class at school so don't want her potentially being excluded from future parties if we are selective in who we invite. However, my problem is with DD2. Do I invite her whole class and take a risk that I could have potentially 60 children going to a joint party!? But I'm also worried that DD2 will be totally outnumbered by DD1's friends as she is only at pre-school 2 mornings and hasn't really established many friendships. So far she has had no birthday invitations

I am keen to have a joint party as it is less hassle for us and they are happy to share their party but I am so confused on who to invite and also what entertainment to put on.

What would you do and do you have any entertainment idea's to keep both 5 year olds and 3 year olds happy?

soft play area definalty!! i would maybe look at either hiring out the whole place - probably work out cheaper for that amount of children or look to do 2 parties back to back ie dd2 has party 11-1 then someone can take home for a kip (if needed) while dd1 has hers 1-3. Could ask for a discount too

hold two parties dd2 ets the benefit of attending both

one for class

then a small tea party at home for dd2 with pass the parcel and other games home made buffet amd a max of 4 friends.

I agree with Custy.

Agree with Custardo too. Though I suggest hall and entertainer so that numbers can be flexible. You could invite all of DD1's friends and just a couple of DD2's friends to the hall party.

I am a party entertainer and this does happen quite a lot. The younger birthday child is happy with this. Too many three years and it can be hard to get the mix of entertainment right. But with mainly 5 year olds and a few 3 year olds it works well. Most entertainers should be happy with up to 40 kids. To be honest it doesn't make any difference to me if there's 20,25,30 or 40 children!

I would go for soft play if budget will stretch, or (better) hire a hall (pretty cheap) and a really good entertainer.

My older DC have close birthdays and the latter option is what we did for their 6th and 4th parties (the last joint one I am afraid OP - after that it got too complicated! but they are boy and girl which may make a difference).

The clown was fab, she kept them all engaged and was very cheap (about £60 for an hour of magic and games plus face painting which was excellent).

We had about 34 kids. I think 60 is far far too many and personally would not invite whole class just a) because others do and b) to get more invites but then I have been burned before by the "we must invite xxx and not leave her out" school of thought. I agree with those who say just invote a few of the 3yo's pals.

Thanks everyone I think we will hire a hall with an entertainer. Also, from your feedback I think we will invite the whole DD1's class and a few of DD2's friends. Hopefully she won't realise she is outnumbered. We may have to get her a couple of extra pressies to make up for it

Also, if I get an entertainer do you think I will have to come up with additional party activities or do they pretty much organise all of it?

Depends on the entertainer and the price you pay.

Lots will do a 90 min party which only leaves you providing the food really.

Mine in my post below even provided a pass the parcel!