For me, if it is your first, I would stick to just a couple of friends.  That is what we are doing for my daughter's 2nd birthday in a few weeks - just a few family friends and people who have helped out with her a lot.  Then we are doing simple food - fairy bread, little cakes, sandwiches and a birthday cake.  You could also do dips and chips.

I think a written invitation is good, with all the details and an RSVP (with date, phone no and query about any allergies).  You may find that not many people RSVP as people seem to forget, unfortunately.  However, perhaps if you invite the parents as well, and make it a family style BBQ, not only will parents stick around but they may feel happier about bringing some food.

Having music on is great, as kids will dance and join in.  I know it is winter almost, but I find time outdoors great for everyone - some simple games: musical chairs, pass the parcel, a pinata or even a treasure hunt, will be enough to keep most kids happy.  Put an end time on the invitation and then keep your activities within that time and hopefully people will know when it is time to go.

As far as safety goes, each parent should be responsible for their child, but try and keep everyone to a central room, or part of the garden.  if someone wanders into an area they shouldn't, then redirect them and say politely "I'm sorry, this area is out of bounds today".  It is hard to keep an eye on every child, but scattered adults around the perimeter can scan for accidents, wandering, bullying etc...  Of  course, this is much easier the fewer there are.

Then, enjoy yourself!  It is easier if all the food is cold and prepared beforehand, you can join in more and watch more.  Maybe have tea and coffee set up for parents - then you can have something to chat to them about.  Have something little for everyone when they leave and make sure your child thanks them for coming.  Then breathe a sigh of relief at a great day!

If you just want to invite the good friends from school, why don't  you call their parents, see if you can find a time which suits all of you. If it's only a few people, you could make it a friends' families get together. Explain to the parents you want to have a few party games for the kids and get to know them as well - have kiddie party food and food for the adults too. You should enjoy getting to know your child's friends, and I'm sure they will enjoy the chance too.

If you decide to invite everyone in the class, a quick note on the bottom of the invite reading 'parents are requested to stay at the party' would be sufficient. Police checks etc are certainly not required, and are very impractical (time factor, costs involved, civil liberties issues, potential to offend guests etc). The very fact that you have requested parents to stay shows that you have considered the supervision of the children.

Party games shouldn't be an issues in terms of running them - the other parents will (hopefully) offer to help out, hand out prizes, start and stop the music etc. If the don't offer, a quick 'Can you please stop the music for musical chairs' should be enough.

Sounds like this party will be a great chance for you to get to know some other parents - good luck and don't stress!

nicky

2. Open invitations to a whole class will usually receive about 10 rsvps, two of which won't be able to make it. Don't stress about inviting 30 kids and having to deal with that many, it simply won't happen.

3. If you want to go not overly expensive for food and entertainment, places like Hungry Jacks and McDonalds do very good childrens parties and the cost is only a few dollars per child. A sausage sizzle at a safe childrens park is another option. If at your home, a few simple games and toys and a bbq and a few chips and lollies is more than enough to make everyone happy.

4. Send out written invitations to the children, with a note to parents requesting that they also attend or send a responsible adult in their place if they can't make it. If a few kids get dropped off and picked up later it won't kill anyone, if you can have 1 adult for every 6 kids you'll be okay. Kids in groups aren't THAT uncontrollable and they'll help keep each other in check.

5. Put an RSVP time and date on the invitations so that you can have an idea of how many will be turning up. Don't forget to give them multiple methods of contacting you. Eg: reply slip, phone number, etc.

6. Make a note on the RSVP section of your invites to parents to notify you if their child has any allergies or other medical conditions that you should be aware of. If you end up with a child that is allergic to a particular type of food, make sure you cater for them as well.

7. There's all sorts of advice, other questions answered, etc; on minti about children's party foods and party games that can be found using Minti's search functions.

8. You will always find a couple of the other parents of the children there willing to help out. They've probably had parties as well, and they will understand how difficult and stressful it can be if you're not used to doing it. All you have to do is ask them.

9. The birthday boy or girl doesn't need 100% of the attention all the time of the party, so long as they have friends and fun around them they'll be happy.

10. Keep the party to a brief 2 hours. That's enough time for the kids to have fun, for you to get worn out and had enough, and for the other parents as well. Drag it out too long and people start to get bored, including the kids, and thats where the trouble starts.

Hope it all goes well. If you need any more specific info as your plans progress, pop back and ask again.

Ciao, DA