**EDITED** OK, I've been browsing online and am getting ideas but now I need to know how to carry out those ideas! I've seriously never planned a party before (I can't believe it) and I have no idea how to go about it. Where can I get fancy balloons? Fancy cakes? How in advance do I need to order, etc??
Hi Moms, my father in law wants us to throw a birthday party for about 40 people (family and friends) for our 1 year old and he wants us to take care of decorations. The thing is if it were up to me, we'd have just a small party since our baby doesn't know the difference and I'd pick cutesy themes like elmo or something but given that this is a party more for the adults and there are extended family members showing up (many of whom we don't see on a regular basis), should I go for a more sophisticated theme? Should I have entertainment on hand or are my guests supposed to just entertain themselves with each other (this is at a banquet hall in a restaurant). I'm not really a party planner so I need all the help I can get! Thanks :)
Well this is totally up my alley. We have three kids and we have all the parties at our house. I have some great ideas but I need to know the age of the people attending.
You can still have a "theme" if you want but you can always just do "happy Birthday/Balloons" stuff. If you do pick Elmo, for example, use that theme for the cake & baloons, napkins, etc.
First: Use balloons to decorate. Order a big huge bunch of First Birthday ballons from your local party store--some mylar, some latex, pick some colors and work from that.
Second: Food. Look up caterers in your area. They can provide food, drink, tablecloths, untencils, beverages.
Third: order a sheet cake from a local bakery. Don't forget a small "smash cake" for your child to go crazy with!
Fourth: Entertainment What about a DJ or just some music played on CDs?
I wouldn't decorate. It's not a wedding or a kid party, so I don't know that it would matter. I might get some pretty flower arrangements for the tables and a thank you gift for FIL.
I'm with you on the party thing. Hey, at least he doesn't want to have a big kid party!
Our son's 1 year party was the same (all adults). We had it at our home, but I did not decorate. We had appetizers and I had an adult cake, it was actually a champagne cake. However, I also had the small cake for our son to dive into and it was decorated for his age. I also placed balloons on his high-chair and tried to put a birthday hat on him (but that didn't work). As far as entertainment, I would say that depends on how long the party will be. If it is only for 2-3 hours, I think that people will entertain themselves (especially, since extended family will be there). PS. you are the mom, so I think you have every right to have whatever kind of party you want (small and private or large)
I would throw the small party if I were you, or can you not get away with that? I have had small, intimate family and really close friend parties for our kids (all under four) at the park where the kids play, we enjoy the weather and the fun and they have been great. My four year old will be turning 5 in the fall and I think he is ready for a party with all of his friends (not just cousins).
If you have to do the other you'll have to provide some entertainment of some sort unless you could do it at the park and turn it into a barbecue and bring games like Bocce ball, horseshoes, softball (maybe) to play at the park. Most people just like to sit and talk!
Good luck!
As far as purchasing the cake and things, you can go to a nice bakery in your area and order the cake - and ask them for other recommendations. Usually bakeries, florists, etc are happy to refer you to other "party" businesses. Balloons can be purchased at a party supply store.
Here's the thing, though. If you don't want to have a big party, you don't have to. Who is your Father-in-law to come along and tell you what you're going to be doing for YOUR - I repeat, YOUR - child's birthday? I would seriously consider nipping this in the bud now, because you don't want him thinking he gets to have any kind of input in every major event and/or milestone in your son's life. It's your husband's job to make sure his family isn't overstepping their bounds.
You gave birth to your beautiful boy a year ago - the party should be what you want it to be. Don't let them bully you just because they are "family."
