We are having a BIG 1st birthday because it's just easier to invite everyone rather than working out who to invite!! As my DD gets older it's easier to decide but for DS
1st it will be the big event. We are just having an afternoon tea with LOTS of people and kids and we're hiring a face painter ($60 an hour) because that will keep the older kids happy!!

Anyway......I was thinking in hindsight to make it easier but still fun we could have had a BREAKFAST party - BBQ!!! You could have it around 9am for a couple of hours so by lunch time everyone will be out of your hair! BBQ some bacon, eggs and sausages and do some toast and fruit and you're done!! Easy - Wish I had thought of it earlier! Anyway a BBQ is a great idea anyway!