1st birthday - what did you do?

[*Ang*]

Both DH and I come from large extended families so no matter how often we try to keep things "small" it just doesnt quite happen.

For DD's birthday we had around 50 close family and friends for lunch at our house. We had a pig on the spit that my uncle did for us, lots of salads and pastas and for dessert a lot of family members bought a sweet so it wasnt that costly. We did have a small jumpy castle and a blow up ballpit for the kids and we themed it as a "Princess" party, as Gabriella always has been everyone's little princess.

DS's 1st birthday is in June so the weather is so unpredictable. We had around the same amount of people again but this time just did a sausage sizzle at ours with lots of desserts. We had one of those petting animal farms come to the house which the kids absolutely adored expecially Alex! We have a reasonably ok patio area and our garage opens up into the backyard so we removed the cars and set up tables in the garage. In the end on the day it just drizzled so we were lucky.

Honestly, I had great fun and planning and hosting each birthday and yes it is a celebration for the parents but my kids "seemed" to enjoy it too!

[sangie]

V - we had a party and I'm so glad we did! It was so great to spoil our princess and she had the best time. Also it was nice for us to reflect on the past year and to celebrate that 'we made it' lol! We had a BBQ (sausages and burgers) and salads and for dessert we had birthday cake (of course!) and I also made cupcakes, chocolate crackles and some other slices/biscuits. We had help with aunts/uncles bringing a salad. Good luck deciding. I would definitely do it again, although only for a first birthday

[Ngala]

Thanks for all the ideas people!!

I love the idea of a pig on the spit!! When we have BBQ's I spent most of the time in the kitchen preparing all the food and dont really enjoy myself, so pig on the spit would be perfect!

[shellbell3]

I cheated at my BBQ, bought salads pre-made, sent the men out to cook everything on the BBQ and just set up dips, chips, that sort of thing. Used paper/ plastic plates and cups so no dishes to wash and not much time spent in kitchen!

[*Ang*]

You can hire the spit from most party hire places and they feed so many people and is relatively easy to do - all the men love standing around acting all "carnivorous" and "caveman like" . And so much easier then doing a bbq - just make sure you have someone who is handy with a knife.

[~*Niadalla*~]

We'll be having a thomas tha tank themed BBQ at my parents house. It will really only be family, a few close friends, and maybe the bubs outta my mothers group... not sure on that yet though.
I have a few Thomas decos, and will get a thomas cake, but other than that, I'm not going the full hog. Something nice and simple, considering my B'day is the weekend before, and I have my wedding coming up.

[Enchanted]

How exciting V! I remember when we used to chat all day wishing these little bubbas of ours would hurry up and and come out already!!!

For Oscar's birthday we are having finger food ie. sausage rolls, party pies, pastizzi's (sp?) etc. We have gone with a Pirate theme (I have actually just got home from the shops with a heap of stuff ) We will be having close family and friends. We can't really afford to spend a heap of money but I am sure we will have a lovely day!

A pig on the spit sounds great! Like you said.. that way you can relax and enjoy yourself! If you want to have a theme just google birthday themes and it comes up with some great ideas!!