We went for a very popular option around here at the moment - the party took place at the local leisure centre, where you can hire the soft play area for an hour and then have a function room afterwards for the party tea. I don't know why I was so worried about it all, everyone turned up and as far as I could tell everyone had a great time. It was a really easy way to do the party, all the entertainment was taken care of and all we had to think about was putting some food together for the tea and making up the party bags.
Harry was a bit overwhelmed by it all. He was very excited to see all his friends arriving and having them all in one place, but once they were all there I think he was happy to just have them around him, rather than trying to play with everyone. He's a lot like me and finds large gatherings a bit too much after a while. I think that he liked being the centre of attention for a bit though, and I'm very glad that we made the effort for him this year.
I'm not sure what we'll do next year. I don't know that I can handle this kind of thing every year, especially once Mia cottons on and starts expecting the same! I know that there wasn't this level of expectation for a big party every year when I was growing up. I do quite fancy having a go at a more creative themed party at some point though, so we'll see!
I have to be honest and admit that I am dreading reaching this stage with the kids. I am not really one for large gatherings either. Hiring somewhere sounds like a good option though and all kids love soft play. I am glad he enjoyed it. Happy birthday Harry.
ReplyDeleteI did kind of feel pressured into it I must admit, although I'm glad that we did it for him because he did appreciate it. Soft play makes for a very easy party, especially if you can hire it exclusively!
DeleteTO be honest I am very lazy when it comes to parties. Or maybe I am a genius. We didnt really do them when the kids were little and as they got older I bemoaned teh cost and made a throwaway line of "I would rather give you the £100". And lo... that is now what happens. There is the occasional, take five of your mates to teh cinema and I will pay etc but generally I give them the cash they would have spent on the party instead.
ReplyDeleteNone of them really wanted a 16th, two have missed 18th parties as they had a car instead. No doubt the 15 year old will make up for it. I blame MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen or whatever that hideous programme is called.
I think I'd rather give them the money, much easier all round!
DeleteHave always done a party for daughter son was a little different but have taken him to things like Top Gear Live and he has had one proper party which was a failure so this year we invited his friends to watch a football match at Goodison which he preferred x
ReplyDeleteI think that my son would probably prefer an experience than a party, although he enjoyed it he hadn't actually asked for it (unless he just assumed that he'd be having one!)
DeleteAhh Happy Birthday Harry! E is 4 in July and I'm already starting to think about planning her birthday party, it's the first year she has friends from pre-school to invite so I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteHave fun planning! It's nice when they can choose their own friends to invite, rather than the ones that you've chosen for them!
DeleteAwwww sounds like a lovely Birthday party!
ReplyDeleteI love a party, so we always have big parties for our girls. Looks like you had great fun and that is all the children care about!
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes he really enjoyed it!
DeleteHappy Birthday Harry!
ReplyDeleteGlad he enjoyed his party. We've got DD's 6th coming up in a month or so and no idea what to do this year! I'd prefer a smaller gathering where they go and do something I think. Just got to persuade her!
I think Harry would probably prefer a smaller gathering in the future, perhaps next year he'll have more of an idea what he'd like to do!
DeleteI like to keep Roo's parties quite traditional. Up til now she's been very content with games and a party tea either in our house or at a local popular venue that is cheap to hire and has great facilities. Last year we mixed it up with a Gangnam Style dance off, and the year before, our friend rocked up with his guitar and did the music for us as our speakers couldn't be heard in the garden. I fear that ship may well have sailed though, and she'll be wanting more girly themed soirees.
ReplyDeleteElliot, being 3 this year, and having fewer friends, is going to be taken to the cinema to watch the Lego movie, and then have some cake back at our house.
Harry's party looks like it was lovely xxx
That sounds fantastic! My daughter is three this year too, although I'm not sure she's patient enough to sit still in the cinema. We will probably just do a family party this year for now until she has some more friends!
DeleteWe did a birthday party - either at home or a soft play - for eldest until he was 6. When he turned 7 last year we just took him and a friend to the zoo for the whole day and spent lots of money on the two of them. I was getting a little sick of having to invite his whole class, only for some not to bother coming, or even worse turning up with siblings so I didn't have enough party bags.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest will be 6 this year, and in the spirit of him getting the same as his brother, he'll have a party. But I'm hoping I can persuade him to just choose one special friend in future to include in birthday days out as treats.
It's nicer to be able to spend the money on a few special friends rather than having to invite everyone, fortunately we didn't feel the pressure to invite the whole class, that would have been too overwhelming for him and me!
Deletewhat a lovely party!! Ours are getting smaller as my boys are getting bigger, thankfully :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, and I'm hoping that will be the case here too!
DeleteI did a big party last year but am planning small ones this year as Kitty especially gets overwhelmed. Happy birthday to Harry!
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy for little ones to get overwhelmed, I don't think Harry knew who to play with when his friends from all different places were all together in one place!
DeleteRoo has always had a birthday party but as Tigger has just started pre-school I think that I will need to throw him a big party this year. Although with Roo and Tigger's birthdays just three days apart I best start saving now!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Harry.
ReplyDeleteMy now 11y/o has always had parties but my 8 y/o is not too bothered about them tbh. i always get stressed and I hate how a lot of parents don't bother to let you know if their children will be coming!