My daughter will be turning 3 @ the end of this month, my husband and I are on a really tight budget. (who isn't though right?!) We want to be able to invite both sides of the families, which consist of quite a bit of aunts/uncles & cousins w/children. Anyways, I was hoping that you FABULOUS moms out there could give me some ideas/advice on how to throw a party for a rather large family w/out going BROKE! Thanks for all your anticipated responses!
I second the pot luck. For my daughters first birthday I asked close family to bring a dish rather then a gift.
Have it be somewhat of a potluck. Usually the family members closest to you, like g-mas will offer to bring something, my MIL always feels important when I ask her to make the cake. (plus she does a really great job) Have fun, mine is 3 in Dec- OMG how fast they grow...
Hi!
My son is turning 3 in January and I've been thinking about his party a little too. I've been thinking about the parties I enjoyed in preschool/early elementary and none of them were expensive, or over the top. Decorate with balloons and streamers and plan simple activities that the kids can get involved in.
One idea I had that could work well for you is to set up a craft that could be their party favor or their dessert. For example, since it's October, you could set up some halloween shaped sugar cookies and let the kids decorate their own to eat instead of cake; or you could put out construction paper, stamps, glue beads etc and let them decorate paper bags for halloween candy collection.
For games, you can get creative and write a bunch of clues for a scavenger hunt to keep the kids occupied and entertained.
Also, to save money on food without people thinking you're being rude, have the party at a between meals time like 3-5pm. Have drinks and chips/grapes/raisin boxes/whatever, and let people leave before they are ready for dinner.
good luck and enjoy.
T.
Don't feel like you need to feed everyone lunch. A buffet of snacks, fruit and drinks can be plenty. (Maybe pinwheels a homemade veggie platter, couple bags of chips and fresh fruit kabobs?)
And pass up on the cutsie but expensive character paper plates and napkins.
And make your own cake (or two or three).
This is what I've done in tough times!
