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sersha
21-04-2006, 01:19pm
I am beginning to stress out over the party I am organising for Leah's 18 month bash (half birthday as her real one is at Christmas.)

I am going to have 16-20 ish little people, most of them are between 18 and 24 months.

Questions!
1) I've decided to do helium balloons instead of party bags and have got the helium balloons already, but no gas. My DH suggested just tying them on sticks (he has free sticks) and using normal air, so they get a balloon on a stick and I will save £35 on buying the helium. Do you think this is a crap idea? Honestly! I am torn between saving money, but thinking a helium balloon is a bit rubbish if it doesn't float (with a weight, of course).

2) How do I feed this many little people without small tables and chairs? I have hired a hall, but they don't provide small person furniture. There is no outside space, just gravel! I'm thinking put a large splash mat down and hope they don't grind it all into the floor, but is it realistic to hope they won't just all wander about with it? Any other ideas? I thought I would opt for relatively unmessy finger food (i.e no dips!)

3) What should I give the older kids (some 2s, 4s, and a 7?) to take away? I don't think a helium balloon would cut it for that age group, do you think a book would be ok? Or is it unfair to give some kids books and not the younger ones?

4) What games can 18 month olds cope with? I thought I might do pass the parcel at the end, and otherwise skip games until next year?

5) When should I start giving invites? It's a late June party but I want to make sure people have plenty of notice as if no one turns up my hall will look a bit empty!

6) I thought I would get lots of (normal) balloons, a bubble machine, and ask all the mums to bring along a large toy to share. Do you think that will be enough - anything else I could do?

Can you tell I am slightly stressed about this?

cheeky_biscuit
21-04-2006, 08:40pm
It sounds like you've thoght of LOADs of things
1) balloons - older kids LOVE hitting/kicking balloons about so just balloons full of air would keep them entertained.
2) Em's party, we just had a "picnic" - an old double duvet cover on the floor, and finger food.
3) How about just putting the balloons out & if they want to take them home they can take one? then they have the option. a slice of cake and maybe a small pack of smarties should be plenty.
4) pass the parcel worked well at Em's. but the toys were a bit of anightmare with the older kids saying "I didn't want to win it anyway it's rubbish" (little shites!) we fixed it so baby toys were won by babies. I got those little 59p cars from tesco, a couple of jicsaws from the £1 shop and soemthing else I can't remember.
5) invites - I'd say a month before?
6) that will be plenty, they'll just run around like crazy kids! maybe a cd player with a bit of steps? :ellie:

Pikeypants
21-04-2006, 08:50pm
That all sounds like excellent advice from CB there!

Re the food- I really don't think there is any avoiding it- there will be mess! At elast it is not on your capret though :wik: Just come prepared with a dustpan & brush for when it is all over!

I would imagine the smaller ones will be helped by their parents with food. I went to a party eysterday & J sat on my lap while she ate her buffet food. It was fine. Like you say, if you stick to dry food, at least it is all sweepupable!

Sounds like a fab party- can we have the Mega Meet with you?! :ellie:

sersha
22-04-2006, 12:30pm
Thanks for the tips! Will definately "fix" the pass the parcel!