1 or 2 parties for my girls?

Hi,

DD1 is 4 in Novemeber and DD2 is 2 in December. I am currently thinking of having a combined party mainly because most of the people invited will be the same for both girls and with a newborn I really can't be bothered throwing 2 parties.

However, DD1 is a bit older and she has certain ideas about what she wants at her party and I feel that the party will all about DD1 and DD2 will be an after thought.

The party will be a dress up party. My plans for the day is to have a jumping castle, pinata, games, a room full of balloons, and bubbles. We'll also cater for the adults. This will include cold meats, salads, cakes and tea/coffee/beer/wine.

As for the cakes DD1 is having a Ariel cake and DD2 a Dora cake.

If I decided to have 2 parties DD2 will be having a sausage sizzle in the park with a few less guests.

Do you think a combined party is ok?

sounds great to me!!! i think both girls would love that!

My sister does a combined party for all three of her kids - and she's got two born in January and one in March - so usually throws the party in Feb. Nobody seems to mind!

I think the combined party is a great idea, even though DD1 has ideas for the party maybe DD2 can help PLAN the party, she can help DD1 choose decorations, where things might go etc?
Make her feel involved in the process even though DD1 might be getting more of the overall choice.
Maybe compromise, DD2 can choose the pinata and some of the things to go with the games, ie. toys for pass the parcel etc?

I'm sure they would BOTH love playing party planner and can be be as much involved as you like.

Have fun with it, am planning my DD's 1st birthday and i am over it already.. bring on Saturday!

I think the one party is a good idea. I went to one earlier this year (well June) and one was turning 2 and the other was turning 4..

They had 2 small cakes rather then one large one..

It was a much better idea I think.

My DD1 and her best buddy are on 11th & 19th Feb so we have always had a combined party for them - now DD2 was also born on the 19th Feb so we will be doing a combined 4yo and 1yo party this time.

Best buddies sibling is due 2nd March so the following year we will add him/her into the celebrations.

I think it takes pressure off people having to attend more than 1 party and you also only have to organise one event.

Hi Bek - Zoe and Hannah's birthday's are only 3 days apart, and they've had 2 combined parties so far. Zoe had one earlier with just her friends from school. (on Hannah's birthday mind you, but that's another story ;)
Anyway, at this stage while dd2 is still too young to really care, I think it's just fine .
Have fun!

Last year i had a combined 1st and 2nd birthday party.

This year they are having separate ones