Hellobee Boards

As long as there's a nice variety of food I'm a happy party-goer

ETA: We opened gifts while everyone was there because people wanted to see LO's reaction to their gift. Great photo opportunities too.

I think all that sounds great. In regards to favors; how old are the kids?

Opening presents can go either way. We made a game time decision to not open gifts at her because we could tell people people were starting to get antsy and we still hadnt done the cake yet.

2 hours is good. I didn't have DD open gifts in front of guests and I've never been to birthday party where the kids open gifts either. Favors are not a must but kids tend to like them so I always give out a fun gift bag just for the kids.

I think 2 hours is good; most people left ours after about 2 hours and then close family and some friends stayed longer (the offer to stay longer was made!).

For LO's first birthday we opened gifts and then for her 2nd we requested no gifts. Some people did still bring gifts and we just told them privately that we would open the gifts after the party. It was much less stress to not open gifts!

We have out favors and have received favors at every party LO has been to; but I also wouldn't be surprised/offended not to receive a favor. I don't think they are make or break at all.

For both of LO's parties we've had some activities out for little kids to do (craft table type things), and then of course they could also play with LO's toys too

As long as your party isn't scheduled over the lunch hour, I think it's totally fine not to serve a full meal or a ton of food. Have fun!

@littlejoy: I've seen a couple parties where the hostess has turned a room into a playroom by gating off a room and pulling in several toys and removing hazards. For one, it was her dining room she gated off, she just moved the table to another room (and used it as a present table) and then the kids had a big room to run around and tons of toys to play with. It was a big hit!

Two hours sounds good to me. I think as long as you have food, people will be happy. We opened gifts in front of guests, but I've definitely seen it both ways. We didn't have any games planned - just people hanging out, eating and mingling. The only "activities" were singing Happy Birthday to Xander and having him smash his cake and then opening presents.