GainesvilleMoms.com

Okay, so my DD's birthday party is this Saturday! I am so excited! I love celebrations!! This is really the first time I will be hosting a group of people I do not know. I have traditionally only invited (my) friends, their kids and our family. But this year, we have invited the entire class. So, I want to do it right. And right doesn't always mean you have to spend lots of money, right?

So, anyone have any dos and don'ts to add to my list? For me, a BIG birthday party "don't" has to do with food. (Always with the food, Suzy, I know...lol)

But I went to a b-day party recently where only the children were served food. (Imagine me, around lunch time, expecting to snack at a party and instead, I was eating my kids' scraps...lol)

To me, food is a biggie when you are hosting a celebration, especially depending on the time of the party. If it's around any meal time, you should be feeding your guests. But, that's just me.

You never know what you're going to get. So, anyone want to add anything to my list before the party? Dos or don'ts?

did you ask for RSVPs? I hope so!

Hot dogs are the best, boil them at home, put them in the buns and wrap them in tin foil. They will stay warm in a cooler. Ketcup and mustard, chips and dip. Easy, cheap and always make extra. I love koolaid lemonade, you can make it ahead and add lots of ice. then all you need are cups, no ice. one of the coolers with a dispenser works great.

you can slice up some apples or other fruit if you want, or make up jello cups ahead if you want to go healthier.

but i agree, food is necessary and always plan for siblings. even though they were not specifically invited, someone always brings a little brother or sister.

Not sure ow old your daughter is but my big "don't" suggestion....don't open gifts at the party....we learned that one the hard way...we have it on video actually...we refer to it as the "birthday carnage"! It was for our daughter's 4th bday and almost her whole class came...she wanted to open presents so we did...it was a disaster! Chaos, really...kids tearing open presents, wrapping paper flying...yikes!
My other suggestion (depending on their age) for an activity..we bought one of those plastic pools, bags of playsand, and some "jewels" from walmart (we spent maybe 20-25 bucks) and we put the sand and jewels in the pool and gave the kids (3 at a time) sand sifters and little bags...we let them treasure hunt in the sand..they had soooo much fun..we're putting another one in our new backyard just for fun!

My dd is going to be 7 and I am really glad you mentioned it because I have always wondered why people stopped opening presents at parties...in fact, I am going to start a new thread on this...

Okay, so today I pick up the last of the b-day party food and supplies. I learned my lesson long ago about waiting until the day-of for running last-minute errands. I think we are going to do some simple and cheap food:

hotdogs, pb+j and egg salad sandwiches, chips and dip, a tray of veggies or fruit (whatever is onsale...which reminds me, strawberries are on sale at Publix. 3 for $5!) And some drinks and ice. Not to mention the cake.

Am I forgetting anything?