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pinkmickey24 · February 2014

Alright ladies, who did you invite to LO's first birthday? I know I still have three months, but I'm trying to get an idea. My family makes up over half the list. I also know out of those on the list that won't come, but feel obligated to still invite. I need to figure it out because my house can't fit everyone and parking would be an issue.

Where did you have LO's first birthday party?

Mrs.AmyDylan · February 2014

Our "party" was super low key. Just my parents and brother. However, J's bday is just after Christmas and no one was around.

Having bday parties at a local park is pretty popular around here. Have you considered something along those lines?

pinkmickey24 · February 2014

@Mrs.AmyDylan we live with the park behind us. I've checked with Parks and Recreation and it's $250 to reserve and you get $100 back after. I am going to see about the fire hall, as well, since it is down the street.

Mnerani · February 2014

My sich is a little different because I live so far from family. We invited basically all of our friends and neighbors, and we did a big afternoon party in the gardens of our apartment compound. I made a bunch of food and had some soda and wine.

We also rented a big bouncy castle, which is evidently a must-have at Kenyan birthday parties. It was a HUGE hit and even DS loved bouncing in it at one year. I think in total about 50 people came. We hadn't done a ton of entertaining during that first year of his life, so it was really fun to have a huge party.

One other thing that I'd suggest. We hired a professional photographer, because it's only like $50 for 2 hours here (can you believe that!?). I was so happy to have those photos, because with all the running around while entertaining, I wouldn't have taken many. Plus, she got ones with me, MH, and DS in them. I know photographers are SO expensive in the States, but if you have a friend or family member with some camera skills, I'd suggest asking them to be the unofficial party photographer, so that you have lots of memories of the day.

ccam · February 2014

We had a huge guest list, I think about 60 came but that included about 19 kids. Half of the guest list was family - my immediate family, grandparents and godmother (which all came from out of state). DH's immediate family was there and those few that are local, which is an aunt, cousins and their kids. The other half was friends - about 7 couples and all of their kids.

It was August so we had it outside in our yard, which is pretty large. We rented a tent and had a bounce house, which kept the older kids occupied, and I would definitely recommend.

kbeach82 · February 2014

We had V's first birthday at our house. It was at the end of April, so people were able to mill around inside and out in the backyard. Do you have outdoor space? If you could figure out a way around the parking issue, that is a consideration to try and save yourself some $$.

We invited - both sets of parents (DH's came in from out of state), our siblings, nieces, nephews, my cousins and their significant others, my aunts and uncles, my best friend and her husband, a single friend and her BF, another friend, her husband and their 2 small children, and another couple with a daughter that is V's age (they were in Gymboree class together).

It was a nice crowd and the whole thing was pretty low key. We made ziti (veg and meat), mufalleta, salad, and had fruit/veggie trays, beer, soda/water, and wine. I made a Mickey Mouse cake (I was up until like 1:00 the night before working on it, but I was SO proud of the way it came out and it was totally worth it) and we also got an extra sheet cake from the grocery store.

JBDamonM · February 2014

We're going through the same issue right now. UGH. I want to have it at my house - DH wants to do it at a hall. Unfortunately LO's bday is 3/31 - although we're going to do the party the first weekend in April - nice weather is far from a guarantee and I just don't know if we'll be able to fit everyone in my house It pains me to think of doing it outside the home, but in our case - immediate families only makes 28 people. And I really want to invite my friends as well so I am thinking we'll probably have to sacrifice location

I'm expecting around 40-45 people, with probably 15 - 20 kids.....

imoverit · February 2014

For the 1st bday we went all out and invited everyone. We had it at a park and it was so fun. If you have a park right by you it would be so worth it to have it there. I did the 2nd bday at my house and hated it. Cleaning before and after sucked. This year we are doing a bounce place. Lol. GL. First bdays are extra special in my opinion even if lo wont remember it.

mcgeeva · February 2014

We did a small low key bday as well. We had it at home and just ordered some food and a cake. Had it at 12 when he got up from his nap and we only invited family and a few close friends.

JBDamonM · February 2014

imoverit said:

For the 1st bday we went all out and invited everyone. We had it at a park and it was so fun. If you have a park right by you it would be so worth it to have it there. I did the 2nd bday at my house and hated it. Cleaning before and after sucked. This year we are doing a bounce place. Lol. GL. First bdays are extra special in my opinion even if lo wont remember it.

This is exactly how I feel. This was a hard year and I want to celebrate it. I admit I am probably going a little too far with my party - but I'm ok with it. And I'm somewhat frugal.... so if I am willing to spend the money - you know it's a big deal!

PennyLane26 · February 2014

We wil have her party at home and invite just our immediate family (parents and sibs/spouses). Also inviting my BFF and her husband & son who was born 2 weeks after G. There will be 18 adults and 2 babies. I've already been buying out Etsy for decorations and her bday outfit (the cutest onesie, tutu and bday crown combo).

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