1) I'd rather not have a party on the actual birthday, not at this young age. All I wanted to do yesterday was sit and watch him play, or cuddle him, generally be soppy... and instead I was rushing around like a mad thing trying to make sure people had enough to drink, enough to eat, that stuff wasn't burning in the oven or on the hob... it was hectic. Couldn't have done it without my helping hands (thanks ladies, mostly Caz!) and got a big hug from Bruce at the end of the night as he could see I was pretty worn out.
2) Cater for the original guest list, no matter how many people drop out. Food will never go to waste. And while you're at it, that modest cake? Make it bigger. Cake will always get eaten!
3) Disposable utensils, cooking trays, plates - bad for the environment, good for the post-party clean-up. JUST DO IT. I forgot to get disposable glasses/mugs. I won't the next time.
4) Fancy dress - don't bother until the kids are old enough to get into the spirit of it, as most people generally CBA. At least if the kids are 4+ THEY will insist on getting dressed up. Think of fancy dress as setting a good example for their imagination.
5) Boxes are the most fun thing EVER. Keep them all. Make a fort. Make a tunnel. Make a barrier so you can have a sneaky glass of wine without little hands reaching for your glass.
I now need to find a box big enough to put all of his cards in, with the little candle that went on his cake, some of the balloons and banners that we had on the walls, that kinda thing. Will get some pictures printed out and slide some of those in, too. Some time this week, I'll get his hand and feet prints, they can go in there, and a wee card telling them how tall they were on this special day. Their first birthday might not be remembered by them, but it's a big moment for you, the parent. It'll be nice for them to look in that box when they're older to see how many people came to celebrate with them, and how much love went into that day.
Dammit, I'm crying again.
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