https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:13:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties/page/2#post-2663764 Sat, 10 Dec 2016 09:52:33 +0000 looch 2663764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: It is quite alright, you haven't done anything wrong, I was just working through how I probably would have reacted. </p> <p>I look at it like this, we all have our quirks, and we need to work together to let each other know how we feel about things. I personally can't handle chaos that well, so when it comes to having parties for kids, I do them out of the house if I do them at all because it is not in my best interest to stress over it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties/page/2#post-2663759 Sat, 10 Dec 2016 08:36:35 +0000 irene 2663759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: yes you are right... At first I was really thinking of a tiny card with designs and a cute message that I give to the kids (not parents) but you are right there is no good way to go about it and it really won't help prevent anything except offending people. I am so sorry for the brain fart... again I am so sorry to have offended you and anyone asthat was not my intention!! Bad ideas come out of a brain storm and you dump them, right? So sorry to everyone.</p> <p>Thank you again for all the suggestions and notes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties/page/2#post-2663754 Sat, 10 Dec 2016 07:35:19 +0000 looch 2663754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Who would you give it to, the parents? If I knew you and you handed that to me, I don't know what I would do. I might just turn around and walk out and that would be the end of our friendship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663667 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:25:42 +0000 irene 2663667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: behavior doesn't stress me out, after all it is just 4-6 children that I know them personally. I was just throwing that idea out because others are saying it is a rave act to suggest an hour of free play , which I personally don't see a problem but maybe I am naive lol. I am more stressed about things around the party like cleaning the house prior to the party...etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663663 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:07:17 +0000 meganmp 2663663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've only ever done them. This last one (the twins are 4 now) we had about 40 people over to our small-ish (~1300sqft) house. Since it is in November, we didn't get to even use the outside. We did a Dragons Love Tacos theme. It was great! There were about 14 kids here (including ours) and their parents/our friends. It was ridiculously stressful, but only because I made it so- it is totally possible to make it easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663655 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:55:18 +0000 daniellemybelle 2663655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: If only a rules sheet kept my daughter and other kids from misbehaving! I would take one everywhere! I believe most parents give their kids pep talks on the way to parties and events and ultimately it is up to the parents, not you, to help their kids behave. Even with only 6 kids, I would have low expectations for behavior. If that stresses you out too much, don't have the party at your house! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663645 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 17:16:21 +0000 irene 2663645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone so so much!!</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: thanks ! Yes, DH has to do the welcoming when I do the face painting... or that's the plan. And good point about pointy skewers... it just became a non issue in my mind because DS and his best buddy always has dinner parties in either of our houses. We love skewers and never even discussed the possibility of injury ...! Thanks </p> <p>@looch: I was serious lol. I was thinking of a small card but since you don't think it is a good idea I won't do it then lol. Just that the conflict happens s at this age is usually with not sharing. Just want to remind everyone to share lol</p> <p>@Adira: again I am inviting 6 kids max and yes I know each of the families personally. I have never heard of any discussion of any allergies but I can email them to double check. When I say peanut butter I really could do sunflower seed butter... and for cheese, people serve cheese pizza too at parties.... right? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663630 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 16:21:18 +0000 ShootingStar 2663630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did a couple home parties - one giant one for his first, and one much smaller one for his 2nd. But then for his 3rd last month, we went to a play space. And I am never going back to home parties, lol. I invited his best friend from daycare and friends of ours with 2 kids. So we had 4 kids (plus our 3m old) and 5 parents. The kids ran around and played and needed minimal supervision, and then we had cupcakes that I bought at Whole Foods (the space won't let you bring in homemade for allergy reasons). It was super easy and very inexpensive. </p> <p>I negotiated for a "play date" so we didn't have to pay for the super expensive party room, and they reserved us a couple tables in their eating area. They also didn't charge me for the parents' admission. So normally it's $5 for parents and $15 for the kids. I just had to pay $15/kid, $12 for cupcakes, and then maybe $5 for some juice boxes and waters. No clean up, no hassle, kids had a fantastic time. It was a complete win all around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663572 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:13:45 +0000 sunny 2663572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did home parties for my daughter's 1st, 2nd and 3rd birthdays. We had 35-55 people at each one. For her birthdays 1 &amp; 3, we ordered Chinese food from a local restaurant and served a full lunch buffet style, and also supplemented with Costco snacks and appies. It was around $200 for all the food. For her 2nd birthday, due to her nap schedule at the time, we did a late afternoon birthday with snacks only. I bought a bunch of things from Costco and it was very stressful trying to get everything ready and served. </p> <p>The house was a giant mess after everyone left, but it was a lot of fun and we only do it once a year. We had kids anywhere from 0-6 at each birthday, and a 3-4 older tween kids. </p> <p>If a messy house stresses you out, you might want to consider an outside the home party. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663571 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:13:13 +0000 Chillybear 2663571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We threw together my daughter's 3rd birthday for the week after we returned from WDW. I was 6m pregnant and we had just moved into the house 2 months prior. It was princess themed.... 12 kids 1-9yr old plus parents and my entire family (35ish adults) we planned it from 2-5pm</p> <p>Food - Chick-fil-a nuggets, hoagies cut down, sicilian pizza, fruit and veggie trays, soft pretzels, salad. Cake, ice cream.</p> <p>Activities - I locked 95% of her toys away in her closet the only things out for the kids to play with were her kitchen and 3 boxes full of dress up clothes and accessories. We had football on the TVs for the dads. Pinata, pin the frog on the princess, painting "cinderella's" pumpkins each kid took home a mini pumpkin we decorated with glitter pen paints (no brushes required). Open some gifts - a lot of her little friends we just super excited to see her open their gift. </p> <p>Cleaning - Since this was the first time most of nearest and dearest were seeing our house I wanted it spotless</p> <p>All in all it was a great time, and i'm so glad i put an end time on the invite and hid away all the toys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663555 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:55:24 +0000 JCCovi 2663555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do a home party for my daughter's 3rd birthday. About 60 people were there and we had it in our back yard. It was not a budget party or a Pinterest party. We had:</p> <p>A purchased cake and ice cream.<br /> I made all the food; mac and cheese, baked ziti, meatballs, garlic bread, and salad.<br /> I rented 3 tables with chairs. I bought pretty table clothes and flower arrangements plus we had electronic candles on all the tables.<br /> We hired Cinderella and Jake the Pirate to provide entertainment including face painting, story time, and parachute games.<br /> We set up our outdoor toys and chalk in the driveway and turned on the bubble maker.<br /> We also hired a photographer.</p> <p>It was simple and low key but a lot of fun. We spent about $1200. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663532 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:26:15 +0000 winniebee 2663532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are having one tomorrow with my 2 year old. It is mostly family. I outsource decorations to my friend from hellobee who is growing a party business. My SIL is an artist and baker and makes a Martha Stewart type cake. I get balloons, booze, and ordered 10 pizzas. Appetizers are taco dip and shrimp and artichoke dip and fruit salad. If the pizza isn't piping hot, who cares? It's about my son having a good time and I know he will. </p> <p>Our budget is typically<br /> Decor and favors - 250 (including signs, favors, banners and Pinterest worthy decor, paper goods)<br /> Food and booze- 350<br /> Balloons - 35<br /> Cake - free<br /> Around 700. </p> <p>We always have home parties. We have big families and lots of cousins and prefer it this way. My older son's party every May is similar, but a BBQ. We spend a little more on food for that because we grill a lot of different stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663522 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:13:36 +0000 Freckles 2663522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just had a party at our house for DS who turned 2. 5 of his friends came but when you add in the parents and siblings, you end up with almost 25 people. We had 3 kids who were 5 and they were going crazy around our house. </p> <p>At this age, kids just like to run around and do free play. I'm a little worried that you will be really disappointed if the activities don't go the way you planned. I once thought that a craft of decorating jewelry boxes would be 30 minutes and it ended up being 10 minutes tops!</p> <p>Our house is usually a disaster after 10+ kids are over and i just try to turn a blind eye during their stay because i'll stress out unnecessarily and i want the kids to enjoy coming over! I don't mean to offend you but i would highly recommend against a rule sheet - it pretty much goes against what a birthday party is about.</p> <p>If you don't think you'll be able to go with the flow, i would rethink having a party at your house. I think pinterest parties are great for photos but what's most important is that your son and friends have a great time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663511 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:54:29 +0000 Truth Bombs 2663511@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like a home party is really not in line with your personality. I think it would cause you too much stress and therefore not be enjoyable for anyone. We regularly have tons of kids at the house. Our core group of friends has 10 kids (plus one coming any day now) and we get together at each other's homes all the time. We had my son's 1st bday/a Christmas Party at the house last Saturday and we had 55 people here including 16 preschoolers/toddlers and 4 babies. I just accept that my house is going to be destroyed after everyone leaves and I'm fine with it because the fun is worth it to me. It doesn't feel like you are comfortable with the possibility for mess, chaos, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663469 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:09:00 +0000 Adira 2663469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: Just double-checking - you know all these kids and whether they have any food allergies or not, right? I noticed your lists of food all had common allergens:</p> <p>"<b>peanut butter</b> jelly sandwiches, ham and <b>cheese</b> skewers, and fruit cups. I'll bake mini muffins. I am debating if we even need a cake. If it gets stressful maybe I'll just give them <b>yogurt, goldfish</b>, fruit and <b>cheese sticks</b>" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663460 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 13:00:38 +0000 looch 2663460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: A rules sheet? You're joking, right? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663457 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 12:58:18 +0000 Mrsbells 2663457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I voted no and not planning too.<br /> While I love the pinterest ideas, I think its so much easier and less stressful to have it outside the home. We are in the process of buying a new home and the thought of 5 year olds running around making a mess is not my ideal day. I would only do it if I could have all the messiest parts of the party outside.<br /> Having said that DD has been invited to some really fun home parties. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663444 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 12:38:58 +0000 alphagam84 2663444@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter isn't old enough for this yet, but my parents always did home bday parties for me growing up and I have such great memories of them! My favorite was for my 6th birthday. It was dinosaur themed and I had about 7 friends come over (no parents). She made me an awesome dinosaur cake (this is before the days of pinterest which is even more impressive), had us make crafts and stuff using marshmallows and pretzels and make dinosaur hats. Totally fun and I bet it wasn't very expensive! We had it in our finished garage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663412 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 11:44:27 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2663412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great ideas! </p> <p>A few thoughts. </p> <p>1. Face painting. Have a system to put kids in number order so they dont all have to stand there waiting in a line. Also, if youre doing the face painting, will someone be available to welcome guests, help them find drinks, put away coats, introductions etc. I would plan maybe 30 minutes of just welcome time and free play for the kids with legos and then start the face paints. </p> <p>2. Ham and cheese skewers. I always worry about pointy things! Or things that can become "swords" Ive seen other parties do a pretzel stick stuck into a cheese cube. No mess and nothing pointy. </p> <p>Having just extra coloring sheets on hand with crayons and a small kids table can be lots of fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663411 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 11:37:02 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2663411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I think all your ideas sound great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663357 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 10:05:47 +0000 snowjewelz 2663357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD's 1st birthday party was at home (well, my parents house) and it was fine; but both my girls will have winter birthdays. When they get older with friends, I don't foresee having much for them to do at a home parry (I am not crafty, terrible at DIY, haha) so most likely it won't happen beyond the first few birthdays. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663306 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 09:07:34 +0000 irene 2663306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone for your replies and thoughts!!! I really appreciate it. I am so sorry I can't reply individually at the moment but I just want to let you know that I read every single comments and I thank you from the bottom of my heart :)</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Aww your party sounds so much fun! And thanks for the idea at the beginning of the party. So it looks like I will have to go back to decorating the initials then. </p> <p>@looch: No it will be in end of January = freezing cold! :( Had I knew I would strategically gave birth in spring or fall times. Hahaha. So unfortunately it is going to be 2 hours of wrecking of my home. Maybe I'll give them a "rules" sheet when they come in and they have to play nice, share, and no crying. Something like that...</p> <p>@Cole: Maybe I'll do 40 min free (controlled) play + face painting, 40 min party games, 40 min snack and cake. I just have to do the face painting quickly but then I am a tad worried that I am aiming for too much.</p> <p>I am getting a bit of cold feet on the cupcake decoration.... just so much mess, and so much prep work. I saw this morning on a parenting magazine about a "board game" for 5-8 years old... where the kids take turns to spin and get yoga position. They will do the position and need to hold for 10 seconds. I am thinking I can get that game (as one of DS's birthday gift lol), and for each kid who can do the pose for 10 seconds they get to take a turn and get a "gift" at the punch pinata. I wonder how long that can keep the kids entertained. </p> <p>@FannyMae: @Adira: I agree I worry about cleaning. I have a super old cat, and his literbox is in the main floor bathroom. It is so hard to keep that bathroom clean because of all the litter he tracks. Ahhhh! </p> <p>More later but thank you so much guys! You guys give me confidence that this can be done !!! I am just a bit worried if I can pull all of these off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663293 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 08:44:46 +0000 looch 2663293@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, you're brave, I wouldn't do free play with 5 year olds. I would do a structured activity, if it's warm enough outside, could you do an obstacle course or something like that? If you leave them to their own devices, there is bound to be some territory issue that crops up and a bunch of kids around your kid's toys might cause issues for him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663280 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 07:59:43 +0000 Cole 2663280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've done both of my daughter's parties at home and it's been great for us, I love decorating for them and with young toddlers it's hard to find a good venue anyway. It is definitely stressful and I always wind up spending way more on decorations than I think I will. Food is way better and easier to control costs on, the only thing that would be cheaper would be super cheap pizza, even buying the good stuff would be more. </p> <p>Your timeline looks pretty good to me but I think I would make party games 45 minutes and food 45 minutes. I love the idea of the punch pinata but I'd maybe consider doing it at the end depending on what you're putting in it. </p> <p>Cupcake decorating wouldn't be bad if you gave them frosted cupcakes and gave each child a prepared plate of decorations. Alternatively you could have them decorate cookies and take them home if you wanted to stick to a regular cake. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663269 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 07:09:28 +0000 Adira 2663269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We always do home parties. For their first birthday parties I went all out with decorations and having a theme, but I didn't do that for any of the others. In the past for food I've served mini sandwiches, chips, crackers and cheese, veggies, fruit, chocolates, plus cupcakes. I've also done brunch food with mini sandwiches, chips, bagels and cream cheese, sausages, mini waffles, fruit, plus cupcakes. One year I just laid out all the toppings so people could make their own sandwiches, which people seemed to like. And this last party, I just ordered pizza, which was a HUGE hit! Everyone likes pizza! Just double-check on any food allergies/intolerances before you do the pizza - we had a special vegan one for Xander.</p> <p>And I've never had planned activities. We just let the kids play with the boys toys and they seem to have a blast. Parties usually last around 2-3 hours for us with eating, opening gifts, cupcakes, and then just hanging out. It's pretty easy! The hardest part is the cleaning before/after, but my mom comes over the day before and helps me clean. :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663264 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 05:08:52 +0000 FannyMae 2663264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@808love: the cleaning before and after is killer... but the way I see it the before cleaning gave me an opportunity to do a massive spring clean, and the after cleaning wasnt as intense. </p> <p>DD1's last birthday party was on a smaller scale I should mention, just her cousins (12 adults and 7 kids), and we just did a pizza party dinner as it was winter and raing - a couple of boxes of family pizzas, some quick and easy greek salads, beer/wine/drinks and the kids ran wild. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663261 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 03:47:18 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2663261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll share the home birthday my parents gave me at 5. They rented kids size table and chairs and served hot dogs for lunch. There was a magician show and he did a rabbit trick. The rest of the time all of us kids chased each other in the backyard. Looking back at pictures my parents put up maybe two-three balloons and the only place where my name was was on the cake. It was the most fun ever until my 8th birthday.</p> <p>@irene: your party plan sounds super fun :happy: </p> <p>That first hour when you are face painting the kids could be when you have a super low key craft their parents can help with. At an art event a few months ago one non-messy project the kids did was make pipe cleaner jewelry. All you need are beads and pipe cleaners. My little cousins took forever deciding on their bead choices. </p> <p>Another idea could be pre cutting their initials on heavy weight paper and give them stamps and stickers to decorate. Both of these projects may be less intimidating for the parents to help with, which gives you some breathing room as host. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663256 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:54:13 +0000 daniellemybelle 2663256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have always done big parties so it stresses me out to have that many people in my house. So, the first year it was at my parents' house (much bigger than ours), and her 2nd and 3rd birthdays we did at indoor play spaces.</p> <p>For her 4th birthday, I am not planning to go all out. We will do a family celebration of some kind and then I am going to have her pick 2 or 3 friends to come over for a low-key birthday playdate. So, I voted, "yes, I plan to," but it won't be themed or anything. We'll have snacks and cake and sing happy birthday and I have sworn to myself that will be it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663250 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:39:22 +0000 808love 2663250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FannyMae: That makes me want to have a home party again!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-home-birthday-parties#post-2663248 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 01:37:47 +0000 808love 2663248@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did a huge blowout at my house for LOs first birthday and then we did a small (under 10 people) for LOs third. It was nice and fun and you gotta do it at least once. You feel like such a Suzie Homemaker! I prefer at a venue though and went back to that. If cleaning wasn't an issue (before and after) I might consider more home parties in the future. I definitely think when LO gets older it will be slumber party time. </p>