we're tossing up having just immediate family (my parents, DH parents, 3 of DS uncles) or a larger thing for extended family and friends.
I know DH's aunts will be upset if we don't invite them, but if we do, then we're obligated to invite all of my mom's siblings (there are 6 of them not counting my mom). Then do we invite a few friends? Only friends with babies? Lots of kids may overwhelm DS as they tend to steal his toys and push him.
What did you do/are you planning on doing? Were you happy with that choice? I just think it's unfortunate that his birthday is in February and we can't just hold it outside where it would be more manageable for larger groups.
Re: Another birthday dilemma...
We were in the same situation. We were throwing around the idea of immediate family and some friends (about 30 people total) or having a large family function. Because of space issues, we decided that it would just be immediate family. MIL threw a FIT (she wanted her sisters there) to the point that she told DH that he was a huge disappointment to her. WTH! Bottom line -- if we invited DH's aunt, then we would have to invite my mom's siblings and my step-dad's siblings, and my dad's siblings. The total for the big family shinding -- over 100 people!
While I would love for the entire family to be there to celebrate DD's birthday, I also don't want her to be overwhelmed and I really don't feel like rent a space to have it. Lord knows, we can't fit over 100 people in our house!
We did a playdate on Friday during the day so it was friends and their children. We invited 11 and 5 showed up. It was perfect. And we had a larger family and friends w/o children party on Saturday. Though I have to admit, Saturday was a bit much. DH and I both have 5 siblings, many of which have children, add our parents and friends and we had quite the full house. DH said next year we're having the party elsewhere like at a restaurant or something. I'm also tossing around the idea of having one party for my side of the family next year and another for his side as well as a playdate. The playdate was by far the most fun.