My little man is turning one in September. Has anyone ever organized or been to a "come and go" first birthday party? Can you tell me what you liked? What you didn't like? I don't want my little guy to feel overwhelmed by 40+ people being there all at once, but can't determine if this is a no-no.
Thanks in advance...
I sort of thought it might be taken that way. I was just trying to make everyone feel comfortable. Thanks again everyone!!!
By "come and go" party do you mean come bring a present then you can go? ;) That's how I would take it. I wouldn't spread it out throughout the day if I were you, Parties are exhausting as it is. I would have it outside or at a park so everyone is spreadout. We were living in an apt for my first two kids 1st bday and I rented the clubhouse at our rental office.
We just had a huge party for my 1 year old daughter. I have a really big family, so small parties are just not an option. I had mine outside in the backyard. It didn't seem like there were so many people that way. I'm not sure what you mean by "come and go." Are you talking about like an open house? Where people can just sort of filter in and out? I'm not so sure that would work. People love to watch the little ones tear into their smash cake and open presents. I had our party from 1-4. I served lunch and then did cake and ice cream. We set up a small pool and slip and slide for the kids and they had a blast! I would imagine that it's still pretty warm in Sept in Texas. What about a local park if your yard isn't big enough? That many people inside a house (unless you have a HUGE house) is overwhelming for anyone. I'd definitely suggest outside or renting some type of hall. If you didn't want to provide lunch, you could have it from like 2-4 or 2-5 and provide a few light snacks and cake and ice cream. Just put "Join us for cake and ice cream" on the invite.
Happy early 1st to your little guy! :D
I usually would recommend just a few people for a first birthday. If it is going to be mostly adults, it may be easier just to get it over with in one shot, then to spread it out over several hours of coming and going. But, you know your friends/family best!
We had a huge party as well. We started it at 5:00 and there was really no end time, so people just came at different times. I think since we didn't put an end time, people didn't feel obligated to come right at 5:00 pm and they didn't feel obigated to stay until the party ended. Even though we had some late nighters, it was still fun! We had tons of food for everyone to have dinner. We had it at our house, but we also had tables and some chairs set up in the back yard as well, so it wasn't as crowded.
