DD is 3 on Sunday and we are having a joint party with 2 other friends the same age. Some of the friends are mutual, some aren't, it is essentially just 3 parties merged together. It's going to be in a hall with a bouncy castle and a few big toys, but I am hoping they will mostly be content to run around and make lots of noise! There will be upwards of 20 kids I think (RSVP is by tomorrow and I still haven't heard from 2 nursery kids) aged between 1 year and 6 or 7.
That's just background, I have a few questions as this is the first proper party we are doing (and we are only doing something this elaborate as one of the mums -the organised one - announced she was doing it for her son and me and the other mum sort of gatecrashed!)
Present opening - done at the party, at the time or afterwards?
Pass the parcel - today I spent hours trawling for little presents not knowing the final count or how old many of the kids will be, anyway, bearing in mind we may have upwards of 20 how should we co-ordinate pass the parcel? 2 at once? How do you make sure every kid gets a go. This may seem very trivial and obvious but I am new to this so appreciate any tips.
Pass the parcel is the only organised activity we have, though I think one of the other mums who is an artist is going to do a craft table, the rest of us adults are going to stand around and drink Pimms!
We have food, just usual party stuff, nothing to 'yummy mummy', sarnies, crisps, sausages, cheese, humous and veg (enough to maintain our yummy mummy credentials) and biscuits and fairy cakes (God, I've volunteered to make these!), maybe grapes. Some nice crisps and dip for the grown ups, my SIL may be bringing some homemade cream cakes. Does that all sound ok?