- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
South Florida Babies
1st birthday party - at home or at park?
The moment is (almost) upon me. I'm ready to start thinking about Emma's 1st birthday party...yikes! Trying not to get too ahead of myself just yet, but definitely starting to gather some ideas (well, to be honest, I've been doing that for a while LOL) and think about some of the more important decisions, like where we're going to have it.
Right now I'm kind of torn between doing it at our house (set up most things in the yard but have some stuff inside, like the cake table, gifts, etc.) or doing it at a park (set-up under an open-air shelter). Both ideas appeal to me for different reasons and both have their drawbacks. The party will be on her actual b-day (December 4th) since it falls on a Saturday, and luckily at that time of year the weather should be a non-issue. I mean, you never really know in South Florida, but at least the odds are pretty okay that we'll be comfortable outside.
So I was wondering what you guys thought. If you had the option, would you rather host a kiddie birthday party in your own home or at a park? Why?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: 1st birthday party - at home or at park?
For Alexis' 1st birthday I did it at my aunt's house rather than a park. I just thought it would be more comfortable and familiar. Since she was still so little, I wanted not to have to go totally crazy with worrying about all the party details AND also worrying about making sure I had everything I needed for a baby with me and bringing everything to a park and setting up / breaking down.
Her 2nd birthday I did do at a park because she (and her friends) were older.
We did the first at the house; if DD wanted to sleep she could and it worked out well as she crashed right after cake.
The second we are already planning to be at a Park as it is in January and the weather will be nice.
Have fun planning!
I see both Adri and Mel's points. Since Emma will still be so little, and she may get overwhelmed and want to nap, it may be nice to be able to have her bed nearby (home) for her to relax / nap.
If your yard/house will hold comfortablely the total invites you have, then that would be my choice. It is the 1st bday and I personally would want something more intimate, since it is more of an adult gathering anyway.
My cousin hosted his child's 1st bday at a park not too long ago, and the baby didn't get there until 1/2 through the party b/c she was home napping, and then "getting ready." LOL
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane" -- Jimmy Buffett
I say a park. I didn't want to do Abraham's party at our house because 1- people never leave. So if the party starts at 1 and is supposed to end at 4, I know it'll be 9pm and there would still be people at my house. Also the mess you pick up at home after a party isn't the same as at a park. At a park you pick up and throw everything in the garbage, load the gifts in your car and head home (to peace and quiet after a sort of hectic day). I guess it depends on how many people you'll invite and how much you mind those factors, but I think a park is more fuss free than a house.
GL:)
I did both my kids 1st birthday's at a park. We had quite a few people and I just didn't want to deal with the clean up and like the PP said people never leaving.. LOL And you will get a TON of stuff so its nice to go home to a clean house..
For my 1st I did set up at the park and my mom stayed back home while she was napping and then brought her when it started..
This exactly. Sophia was napping when we left to set up. When she woke up, my sister dressed her and brought her over. Plus, I timed the party so that it was starting around or after her naptime. At this point she was still napping twice a day and so we just braved skipping that second nap and it worked out well.
Agree 100%! And timing the party with her naps will avoid the sleeping issue. And like others have said, the fact that it would be in December makes a park a great option!
BFP #3: 01/28/12, EDD: 09/23/12, MMC (BO), D&C 2/16/12 at 6.5 wks
BFP #4: 05/23/12, EDD: 01/31/12, Early MC at 5 wks
RPL Workup: + LPD (7DPO Prog = 7.8, Endometrial Bx = out of phase)
Elevated Alpha 2-glycoprotein IgA and antiphosphatidylserine IgM -->
Hematologist said not to worry and no need for treatment!
Dx: LPD
Cycle #1(08/2012): Clomid 50 mg CD3-7, Ovidrel CD13 + Progesterone = It worked!
BFP #5 on 09/10/12 (11 DPO). HCG #1 @ 14DPO = 131.6 HCG #2 @ 16DPO = 509
EDD: 05/23/2013
BFP #3: 01/28/12, EDD: 09/23/12, MMC (BO), D&C 2/16/12 at 6.5 wks
BFP #4: 05/23/12, EDD: 01/31/12, Early MC at 5 wks
RPL Workup: + LPD (7DPO Prog = 7.8, Endometrial Bx = out of phase)
Elevated Alpha 2-glycoprotein IgA and antiphosphatidylserine IgM -->
Hematologist said not to worry and no need for treatment!
Dx: LPD
Cycle #1(08/2012): Clomid 50 mg CD3-7, Ovidrel CD13 + Progesterone = It worked!
BFP #5 on 09/10/12 (11 DPO). HCG #1 @ 14DPO = 131.6 HCG #2 @ 16DPO = 509
EDD: 05/23/2013
Hey Jen!
Eric's first birthday was this past weekend and I had it at my moms only because the park I wanted was booked. But to tell you the truth I guess I preferred it this way. He napped when he needed to and it was comfortable to change his diaper,clothes etc.. I tented the party and kept the dessert/candy buffet inside the house because of the heat. My parents have a huge yard so it worked out well. But the others are right in that guests stay later when you really want to just clean up and relax. Have fun with the planning!
I'm in the same boat as you are...except it would be either at my inlaws house or at a park (since we don't live there yet). For us, the biggest issue is the guest list, which is making me lean more towards the park idea. I'm planning on having my mom bring her pack-n-play in case Carley gets tired. The park we're considering has basketball courts, grassy fields, tennis courts, etc which would keep the bigger kids entertained. Obviously, it will be more comfortable at home, but as PP's have said, the mess is usually bigger and people end up staying longer.
I suggest you write out your guest list and see how many adults vs kids (and ages) so you can plan around that. Which location would make the most sense for your guest list?
How many guests will you have?
I would say park if you are going to have a big bash for her 1st. I like the house when its a smaller group (and by smaller i mean less than 40-50 ppl).
Otherwise a park is the way too go!
If it's going to be a really huge bash (and I have an inkling that it might be) then maybe have it at a park because you'll have more space.
Buuuttt on the other hand, if you have a big yard and space for everyone then IMO a house party is more comfortable and you can do more decorating. Yeah you'll have to clean up - or you can just hire a service to do it (which is what I would do lol) - but you and your guests will be much more comfortable and Emma can nap whenever she needs to and if you need something for her, you'll have it right there.
Sooo... I say if you have the space, have a house party.
mady's 1st bday was at my friend's home. we used her huge backyard. rented a tent some tables and chairs and a bounce house. the kids in mady's playgroup at that time was only about 8 of them and mostly around her age with the exception of 3 older girls (ages 4-7). everything worked out perfect and it turned out so beautiful.
mady's 2nd bday was at a park. her playgroup grew and now she was in the running stage. which is why i thought the park was the better option, all kids who attended were ages 1.5-4 yrs old. around 12 kids made it and it turned out pretty awesome. i still rented a bounce house since i wanted all the kids close to the shelter and was lucky that that the shelter came with picnice tables.
it all depends on what you want to do. i think the 1st bday at home in a nice backyard is ideal for kids emma's age. gl i love to party plan my kids' bday parties and i do it wayyy in advance lol
Hi Jen!!
This is crazy, our munchkins first birthday is quickly approaching! I too have been debating, park or at home? And one of the bumpies was right, at home the party will last a whole lot longer