Lots of 1st b-day party questions...please help!

I am having their 1st Birthday party () at our house in May.

My boys eat lunch at 1 and then take a quick nap (like 15 minutes max). We are having italian food catered. What time should the party start? 1? 2? Do you put an end time on the invite? (It's a small party, mostly family.)

I wanted to put together some kind of slide show but the party is outside in our yard. Do I figure out a way to set up a screen outside or do I just have the slide show playing on our tv for people to see if they go inside?

Our family has been very generous to the boys, especially around the holidays when Hunter had his surgery. I wanted to put "No gifts please" on the invite, but I know everyone will just ignore it. Should I bother?

We are having about 30 people total. The party is on May 21. Do you think I need a tent (in case it rains and/ or is super hot)?

Thanks for any input you can provide!!!!

Re: Lots of 1st b-day party questions...please help!

Ok... lots of questions to get to. LOL!

No need to put an end time for a b-day party at your home
If you're doing lunch I'd say have the party at 1PM
if there's a lot of young kids I say 2PM, but that's only b/c I know a lot of my friend's toddlers nap from noon to 2.

What about putting a laptop outside on a table with the slideshow?

I wouldn't say anything about the "no gifts" on the invite. Most pple will call and ask and just say either don't worry about it or some play toys for outside. Please don't go crazy

How big is your inside? We didn't do a tent, but we made sure there was room inside just incase.

Re: Lots of 1st b-day party questions...please help!

We are having dd bday party imy fil backyard. On may 21st also
We are renting tables and chairs. In case too hot or rain.
I would not do no gifts please b/c it is their bday. I know people were generous but I still wouldn't.
I like the laptop outside but I think on the tv would be great too.
We are starting at 3 and I put no end time. I figure whoever wants to stay can. We are just going to have a relaxing time. But for lunch 1 should be good.

Re: Lots of 1st b-day party questions...please help!

I would have it at 1. I think I would get a tent just to be safe. May is always unpredictable with the rain. Ask JoJo who we used for tents, I can not remember the name, but it was very inexpensive. I wouldn't put anything on the invite about no gifts.

ETA: send you the tent place link on FB

Message edited 4/13/2011 8:54:05 AM.

Re: Lots of 1st b-day party questions...please help!

I agree with 2pm especially if you have alot of children attending.

The laptop with the slide show outside is a great idea ( as said by pp). You will likely have a steady stream of people inside and some may not want to go back outside, which will likely create 2 separate parties-1 inside and 1 outside.

I agree that people will not abide by no gifts, especially for 1 year olds. I would just ask for gift certificates to TRU,
saf-t-swim or childrens clothing stores IF people ask what to get the boys.

I don't think it will be super hot (just guessing) and I will guess that you probably have the space to accomodate 30 people in your home in case of rain so I would say no to a tent. But if you did do a tent since its 30 people you would only need a smaller one anyway.