First B-day

[alias]

We only have 3 months to go!?!  How did this happen???

So, tell me your thoughts on 1st b-day parties.  What did you like, what would you do different?  It'll be warm out, so we could do a park or beach, but then no alcohol.  Our house is too small.  My parents houses would both work, but that would be awkward and I really don't want to do two separate parties.  Not sure whether to invite friends w/ kids or keep it small and just immediate family, although friends may help buffer the two separate families.  Decisions, decisions.

[alias]

Do you think alcohol is a necessity at a 1st b-day party?

If you are invited to a friends kids' 1st b-day party, and you have kids, is this something you want to go to or feel obligated to go to?

[dana86]

I think alcohol is a personal decision. I didn't have any at M's first but I will when we celebrate her half birthday this summer.
As for part size we mixed friends and family just because we have small families and none with kids so having friends with kids made it more fun for M.

[7costanza]

We are doing a friends and family party at our house, and are having it semi-catered (BBQ from Larry's). I'm not sure of the theme yet, but either animals or sports probably. We will have beer, and a root beer keg I have no idea how many people will be there since, like E, his birthday is in prime vacation season but at a minimum our parents and a few friends probably.

I really want to request no gifts, but not sure if that is rude/awkward? How would you word that?

[7costanza]

May 2, 2014 13:48:24 GMT -5 @lauralynne said:

First birthday - cowboy theme (our choice) and apparently I forgot to take pictures...LOL (these are pics a friend took)
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I love that cake, and what a cute family picture!

[alias]

May 2, 2014 15:11:06 GMT -5 7costanza said:

We are doing a friends and family party at our house, and are having it semi-catered (BBQ from Larry's). I'm not sure of the theme yet, but either animals or sports probably. We will have beer, and a root beer keg I have no idea how many people will be there since, like E, his birthday is in prime vacation season but at a minimum our parents and a few friends probably.

I really want to request no gifts, but not sure if that is rude/awkward? How would you word that?

I thought about putting a cute poem about no gifts, but honestly, people will get them anyway.  I think I might just pass along word of mouth what he actually needs and that we don't have a bunch of room for other stuff.  He can always use the next size up in clothes and we never seem to have enough books.  But, I don't need or have room for more toys.

[shevacc]

We had a pretty big 1st birthday party in the loft at a brewery with both friends and family. I got the cake and ice cream from Costco and MIL made lumpia for us to serve. The party was at 2pm so I didn't worry about having much food. Also since it was at a brewery, there was alcohol but I didn't provide it. It was fun! For her 2nd birthday we did a small party with just family since her birthday was Easter weekend and since SIL was 8.5 months pregnant at the time (she's due next week).

G loved both parties. I agree that it's all about what would make you the most happy since E won't care yet. Oh, and I wouldn't show up to a birthday party empty handed so would ignore any requests for no gifts. I don't think I'm the only one (though I often bring books).

[niq]

May 2, 2014 15:11:06 GMT -5 7costanza said:

We are doing a friends and family party at our house, and are having it semi-catered (BBQ from Larry's). I'm not sure of the theme yet, but either animals or sports probably. We will have beer, and a root beer keg I have no idea how many people will be there since, like E, his birthday is in prime vacation season but at a minimum our parents and a few friends probably.

I really want to request no gifts, but not sure if that is rude/awkward? How would you word that?

"In lieu of gifts, please bring disposable diapers for a delivery to Westside baby, or make a donation directly at www.westsidebaby.org"

We're emailing family members something like "if you really must, please stick to clothes or books", since there is no way the grandparents will stick to no gifts

[jennlin]

we did a "invite everyone we know" party for bjl's first...friends with kids, friends without kids, all the family (aunts/uncles, cousins, parents aunts/uncles/cousins), etc. we hosted it at my IL's house, and we had food for days. we bought a couple giant bottles of wine, but barely anybody touched it. we didn't even go through one each (red/white).

for bjl's second, we cut to family (still ALL the family), plus friends with kids. we omitted the friends w/o kids, bc 2yo is not as special, IMO.