Hellobee Boards

@Foodnerd81: nope, I don't think you're being a jerk for not wanting to fly somewhere just for a party.

With OOT guests even if they come to visit for a specific event we always seem to entertain ($$$) them for all the days of their stay. I don't forsee inviting or encouraging OOT family or friends to come for a solo trip when it's just me solo parenting all week during my mat leave. Plus DH isn't going to want to come home on the weekends to see his baby and also have a house guest(s). Learning to be a mom and entertaining doesn't sound fun or economical. Then, after mat leave I know I'm going to be selfish with my PTO.

The Sip & See OOT guest list would really be kept to those that have expressed interest in meeting the baby- my BFFs that flew in for my Tree Trimming party (b/c they wanted to see me in person with a bump ) our OOT family (baby's grands, aunt's & uncles), and my aunt. The rest of the Sip & See invited guests would be local, but again sticking with besties and people that have been supportive during my pregnancy. Anyone else I send out announcements to wouldn't get a STD and that list is pretty small- favorite cousins, our Godparents, and really good family friends.

All that to say, a declined invite would not hurt my feelings.

@regberadaisy: no, not necessarily barbecue- we don't even own a grille but more picnic/ cookout style food. I have to consider my food prep helpers with setting a menu. ETA: since it's Fourth of July I imagine people have some preconceived ideas about what they should eat, so I wouldn't want to dissappointment them too much.

If we hosted at our house the party could be indoors and outdoors plus we have a pool people can use to cool off. However, hosting at our house means the party never ends. Our last guests at the Tree Trimming left close to 2 am. My mom's house is another option- she has a pool too and even if guests linger the baby and I could go home at a decent time. DH's local friends live South of us (30-60+ min), so going to my mom's house would be quite a hike for them. She's 45 min North of us already. I'd love to rent the park pavillion near us, which would be most convenient for anyone local, but we will all surely bake.