Birthday Party Time?

We had both of my children's parties in the afternoon after their nap. They were refreshed and a whole meal wasn't required. You could offer a veggie and fruit tray for snacks and then cake and ice cream. Just remember to plan what works best for YOU! Have fun!

Snacks- and how about w/o sugar- the kids will be able to behave w/o sugar.
best, k

that's a long party. Make sure you take into account when the kiddo's normal naptime is. You're going to have a completely over-stimulated kid anyway, no way to avoid that with such a huge party, but you dont want an over tired one also. my daughter naps 2 - 4, so we usually have her parties from 11-1, with little sandwich rolls, a veggie tray, fruit tray, and cake. But then, we usually have 10 people max.

I just read your "So What Happened?". I think you nailed it there. 2-4 is perfect b/c all the kids who need naps will have had them and be ready for the fun.

At that age, the birthday party is for YOU to enjoy and celebrate, as your child will be too young. I would definitely go with option #2 so that you can relax a little more and not miss everything. The more complex it is, the less time you'll be able to spend with your baby and guests.

I actually did the whole lunch thing for my first child's first birthday (with way fewer guests, even) and it was NOT worth it. Too much to do, too much money spent, and I didn't have much opportunity to just enjoy myself and my daughter.

If you like 1-4 might I suggest that you try to word your invites so people know there is no lunch. Or if you start at 2, there is less chance people will expect a meal.

I come from a big family and for first birthday's we always had a party. Most of my sister in laws would have everyone bring a passing dish and they would furnish the meat and drinks. No one minded a bit and we all had at least one thing we really liked to eat. I furnished the dinner when I did birthday parties. But what I did was something like scalped potatoes and hot dogs in them. Or chilli or spaghetti. But you can make a big meal easily that doesn't cost much or do the passing dish idea. Snacks can actually end up costing you more then if you prepare a meal.

I agree with your choice 1-4pm. Moreover, can you determine among your expected 50-70 guests -- how many would be kids and how many adults so maybe you can adjust also your menu for kids and adult, that is if it's not gonna be pricy.

Go for whichever is less likely to be your son's nap time...he is the guest of honor afterall and you don't want him being crabby or sleeping during the big event.

I would choose the 1-4pm. I made sloopy Joe's for both my kids 1st b-day party's. It was a hit. I had chips, pasta salad, potato salad and cake. Water and sodas for the adults and juice/water for the kids. My family and friends loved the idea of Sloopy Joe's and not pizza LOL. But I stocked up on deals a month before the party. Good luck and happy 1st b-day to your little one :)

I chose the number 2. Dips and chips, finger food, pickies....and a cake. Make the party shorter.....make it 2 hours. Make sure your son gets his nap.

I agree with many of the other posts, 3 hours is rather long, I would suggest 2-4. Plus a start time of 1:00 is still kind of on the edge, some people may think there's lunch, starting at 2 eliminates any confusion. Have fun!!

I would imagine your one year old still takes naps. I would strongly suggest planning the party around nap time. Otherwise, you will have a pretty cranky baby at the party and that is no fun for anyone. Just FYI, I always had my kids' parties at 10am when they were that little and it worked like a charm. It was the optimum time for the kids, wide awake and happy and no need to serve a meal. Plus, once they had lunch and cake they were usually a mess so after the bath they were ready for nap. And, BTW, gosh that is a lot of people at this party. Good Luck!

First of all, cut the number of guests. The standard recommendation is one child per year of age plus one (so for a one year old - that is only 2 other children). This party is only for you - chances are he will not enjoy it and he will certainly not remember it. Keep in mind it is a first birthday - not a wedding!

Second, as others said, schedule around his nap time.

Third, at that age 90 minutes to 2 hours will be more than enough. He will be tired and completely overstimulated by the end of that - no need to go for 3 hours. Keep in mind that even when you put "2-4" in the invite - there will be people that arrive at 2:30 and stay long past 4. You might want to plan on having someone (Daddy, Grandma, trusted friend) make an announcement about 15 min before you want to end that your son is going to go for his nap - that can help get people to leave! If you are doing the party somewhere other than your house - then you leave with baby at that point or send baby home with someone (Daddy, Grandma, babysitter).

I would save your $$ until he is older and only invite a few friends. Put the rest of the $$ into a college savings account for him and you will all be happier and less stressed!

Cheers,
C.

One is a milestone, so family and friends will enjoy the celebration.
Do not hesitate to ask for food donations from your guests.
Potlucks are the perfect solution; and guests like to bring a favorite dish to share.

Hello, wow that is a big party, are you doing this in your home? I would suggest a buffet that everyone could serve themself and you can have all appetizers so it wont be to pricey.
Also if you would like to have a beautiful princess visit to come and take pictures and entertain the kids, call Butterfly Dreams theme parties for all ages, they come to you with everything that they need and they can also rent a room for you if you dont want it at your location and the kids love her. For more information call ###-###-#### or look at there website at www.butterflydreamsparty.com and call to speak to her. They are amazing. good luck