First Birthday Location help!

So DS's birthday is the end of August. We live in a townhouse with a small backyard area. It is not nearly a big enough space to have a party for more than 15 people. I have been putting this off because I am just not sure what to do. Advice or suggestions greatly appreciated...

My mom offered to have it as a pool party in her backyard. This would normally be a GREAT idea! However, my mom gets VERY stressed out with these sort of things. Everything has to be just so and perfect (not a weed in the ground or a thing out of place). Understandably so... it is her house! However, I feel like this might just be too stressful for both of us. I know how she gets and do not want her working like a dog to prepare for it. I plan to go over the week before and do a thorough cleaning but I know she will still be nuts. I don't want this to end in stress and even worse... an argument! I also think I will need to minimize my guest list so she is not completely overwhelmed with the people. On the other hand, they have a great backyard for an August family (and some friends) pool party.

The alternative, booking a hall for the day. I feel like it is August... who wants to be inside during the day? Plus, it will obviously require a DJ since their isn't much to do in a hall.


Suggestions would be great! What would you prefer???

Re: First Birthday Location help!

We were going to have DS's party at wantagh park, it's only $55 for the entire day...unfortunately for us it rained so we ended up having it at home

Re: First Birthday Location help!

I am concerned about rain too... I think my mom might have a heart attack with 30-40 people in her house!

Re: First Birthday Location help!

I think you should do it at your mom's house. Have it catered and pay for a waiter/ waitress to do all of the clean-up. And just pray for good weather!

Re: First Birthday Location help!

Re: First Birthday Location help!

Hoyt Farm?

Re: First Birthday Location help!

we did it at the american legion and it was great and very reasonably priced. they made the food but we could have paid less and brought in our own.

Re: First Birthday Location help!

Also, I don't think people will be upset being indoors at a hall either.

BUT I know your Mom. . .she might insist on having it at her house no matter what you say I think if you hire a waiter/waitress she'll be ok. (you can cater from Leigh )

& prior to the party just steer clear from her

Re: First Birthday Location help!

Posted by DPerotti

Also, I don't think people will be upset being indoors at a hall either.

BUT I know your Mom. . .she might insist on having it at her house no matter what you say I think if you hire a waiter/waitress she'll be ok. (you can cater from Leigh )

& prior to the party just steer clear from her

Re: First Birthday Location help!

Posted by DBJ808

Posted by DPerotti

Also, I don't think people will be upset being indoors at a hall either.

BUT I know your Mom. . .she might insist on having it at her house no matter what you say I think if you hire a waiter/waitress she'll be ok. (you can cater from Leigh )

& prior to the party just steer clear from her

I was thinking a hall but the Elk wants $750 plus the cost of Kevin, food, etc. I wasn't looking to spend and arm and legging since we spent a lot of the christening. Plus- I almost prefer outside since it is August. I just wish I had my OWN BACKYARD! Grrrrr

Re: First Birthday Location help!

For DD's 1st birthday, we were living in a co-op, and there was no way we could have everyone there..

So we used my parent's backyard...I organized all the food/fun/etc, and helped my mom clean/get ready...Everything worked out well.

Plus, if it DOES rain, if you're having the party at home / house, you can likely have a rain date....if you go to a hall, the odds of getting them to reserve TWO potential dates is pretty slim...