Of course the kid won't remember it. But apparently it's required. So we're having a party. Here's my thoughts... 2 hours max. Balloons, decorative table cloths and paper plates, maybe some streamers, cake & ice cream. That's it. Too little? (Sorry, no beer.) It's really just a photo op for Baby Smashes Cake Into Face pictures, right? We've sent invites, and we've said Your presence is gift enough. Because the boy wants for nothing. We know the grandparents will buy anyway... 'tis their right.<br><br>Your thoughts? Suggestions? We're doin' it just fine? I sure hope so.

cept for the lack of suds, sounds like you've got it nailed down just about right!

I would stick with what you have. Keep it basic because you'll have plenty of years to go overboard on the party when they will be able to remember more of it.

Yes, it is required.<br><br>We basically did what you're planning. Worked well for us. The only (rather obvious) thing I would add is to make sure that the schedule is harmonious with Indy's nap schedule.<br><br>Get video too! If relatives are driving in from far away, it may be one of the few opportunities you have to get video of those relatives interactiing with your son.

I would second Sean's suggestion about coordinating with nap time. We just barely avoided a public meltdown last June. Lucky for us, it was all family so they would have just had to deal with it, right!?

Well tomorrow is d-day... about 20 people... If he naps in the morning as he should, we should be ok, and he'll be ready for nap right after... Will try to get a couple of pics posted afterwards. Thanks everyone! I can't believe it's been a year!! Time does indeed fly with these lil' buggers.

Um, DaddyBrain... SATURDAY is d-day... been a busy week...

Um, we always keep it simple... Family, couple hours (that's about all the guest of honor can take usually), a dessert of some sort & presents. It is mainly an excuse for the adults to socialize for a couple hours, so keep the expectations low.

My wife and I used to joke that all the birthday parties before 4 were for our friends. We usually went for a backyard barbecue style -- plenty of adult beverages. Our other guideline, half in jest, was: number of kid invitees = years of age.<br><br>Sounds like you do have a great one planned -- and please post pics!<br><br>We're there in spirit. Have a ball. Happy birthday Indy!!!!

Sounds like you've got it just about right. Gotta agree with everyone else -- the first birthday is a chance for the rest of the family to celebrate.<br><br>Have a great one!

Ok, the party was FANTASTIC! (pictures coming later, I swear) Everyone had a good time, the cornhole game was definitely a good idea as the older kids (and their parents) played the whole time. The cake carnage was hilariously gruesome and the boy is steppin' out! The grandparents wore him out making him walk so much. (He's still a bit unstable, but he's got it figured out and can go about 10 steps with encouragement.) It's AWESOME! Also, EVERYONE ignored the no gift request. So I gotta do more specific thank you cards now. A horrible problem to have right? He passed out about 10 minutes before we packed up to leave. He slept most of the evening and all through the night. He was completely wiped out! Adorable lil' guy.<br><br>Thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement. It went great. For those of you with this party coming in the near future... make it simple! If you do it all yourself (decorate, provide cake and ice cream, drinks, distractions(toys/games), and clean up), plan on spending about 6 hours total for a 2 hour party, Load up to unload. (We had 26 people including 6 kids.)

A kid's first year party is one I'd rather not attend because they are boring. But out of obligation I always do. My kid's 1st is coming up in 4 months. If I don't leave the country with the wife and son on a family vacation, I will be doing my bro's a solid and providing good food and drinks. Because in my honest opinion, a first birthday is as much about celebrating the trials and turbulations of the parents making it through the first year with their sanity intact. Yes, alcohol is a must and I second Daddy Clay on the backyard BBQ. It keeps the crowd intimate, to a minimum, and way happier about the time spent at the party.