Parties every year (well not 1yo) for us here. Not that I want to, I would prefer every second year, or to maybe just have 1 special friend over for a sleep over. Saying that though, for is birthday parties are a way for us getting involved in the area and meeting the parents. Since DD1's party I have found many of the parents are much friendlier as the party gave us a chance to get to know each other a bit. We live out of town, so many parents end up staying as it is not worth them driving home, plus we cater for parents. If they are hanging out they deserve a good cup of coffee and some nibbles

DH is big on parties, I am sure he would spend $1000 on a party if he could. Have to reign in him. He seems to think he got a party every year, but his mother says different. Hoping once we are more settled that we can cut back to every second year, with the girls on alternate years.