The thing you have after a christening for family/friends etc what did you have?

[sweetkitty]

The two big DDs were christened (RC) last year, we had only godparents and immediate family there and they all came back to ours afterwards, TBH it was a nightmare. I spent a small fortune on M&S food for a buffet (which was lovely) but I felt our house was too small and spent the entire time stressed to the max, also didn't help that only one friend helped out family thought they would just sit on their behinds being waited on.

DD3 is already 4 months and we plan on getting her christened next Feb or March after Christmas to allow finances to settle down a bit.

I haven't a clue what to do after the ceremony now? Should we look into having a buffet in a hotel or something? Obviously money is a consideration as we will all need new outfits too

I have only ever been to one other christening and they had a karaoke in a bowling club afterwards

Most people will be travelling about an hour so won't want to stay long after either.

WE got a pub function room that was free to hire. Then we decorated it ourselves with balloons etc and did our own catering. Was great as kids had space to run riot and we could invite quite a few people. We had both dds done the same day and it was also dhs 30th birthday

Does your church have a hall you could borrow? Or an adjacent church that wil allow you to borrow theirs?

the first one we did in a church hall and did chilli and jacket potatoes

the second one we did we asked poeple to bring a dish with them to help us out with the cost. We borrowed our friends big house for teh second one

We used the church hall. For DD1 we invited friends and family formally and let it be known that anyone else from the congregation was welcome to join us as long as they brought some food!

For DD2, also in the church hall, but just friends and family and we used M&S catering.

Both were lovely. Not elaborate or picturesque, no speeches or anything, just a great celebration with all the people we are closest to.

Hired a hall and had a buffet. Mum went OTT though and made tablecloths, a fresh flower topiary trees and what not.

1. huge do in local pub skittle alley was fine- very my family lol- bt of a nightmare maing fod whilst landlord sent buyers round to view against our wishes

1. local village hall- nice, cosy, family kicked off as no alcohol zone

1. ds3 had a namin do and party at our old house on his 1st birthday, was ok, most memorable bit ds1 switching on Mr Brownstone during the ceremony LOL

1. very small after Chrch bash at ours, m&s food combined wth local butchers, very nice as only invited people who would be nice to have iyswim

for DS1 I did all the food (with help from Mum and MIL) but was just silly as DS1 was only 10 weeks old and I was not quite with it at all. Also invited about 100 people

DS2 - we got sandwiches from Safeway (as was) and invited less people

DS3 - invited even less people and got caterer to do cold finger buffet - much the best idea.

Just take it easy and try to relax about it - the most important bit is the church bit and anyone who comes for food is only dong it because they love you

DS1's - went back to my parents house (across the road) where we were living at the time, had cake and a few nibbles.

DS2's - went out for a posh meal with godparents and close family

DS3's - I'm having a faith lunch (bring and share) in the church hall afterwards - which means that the food will be provided - I'm going to supply wine and fruit juice (just to make it different from the value squash and tea/coffee that's usually on offer at these things).

DC 1 picnic on river bank!

DC 2 lunch before in church hall - half from waitrose, rest done by me. People back to ours afterwards

DC 3 lunch at home for those from a distance, party at home after. Lots of m&s sandwiches etc, loads of champagne. House crowded to rafters - pouring with rain but loved it!

so, ever increasing numbers with each, depended a lot on home - diff with each one

and earlier and earlier with each dc - people maybe expect less of you when baby is younger!

and the other thing is, I was exhausted with all of the christenings, as I am with any of the dc's birthday parties etc. And stressed too! A lot of responsiblity to make sure everyone is fed and watered, as well as people are meeting everyone else and no one gets left out etc. And this time you'll have the older dc as well...

If family don't help, it might be worth giving people a specific role (x look after coats, y sort out cups of tea, z set out table for food).

My little girl was christened last week at 7-weeks. After being totally at the price of local amenities we thought we would do it ourselves.

The church did not have a hall so we found another a few miles away - small fee. We got some platters from Costco, soft drinks, booze and made some more veggie sandwiches. Also got some quiches, and dips too from my Mum. MIL cooked up some roast joints too.

It was a bit of a mare at the time and we had heaps of leftovers, but enjoyable nevertheless. We were thinking of having it at home but thought it would be a total nightmare. Everyone helped us set up and clear up too which was really touching.

Good luck!!