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What would you do?

SweetSugar123

513

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:12

Would you provide snacks to parents at a kids party that is being held in a mall? I was considering it but have been told it cannot be served in the birthday party room (for safety reasons), so thinking why bother as they will either want to be in the party room or drop off their kids and go for a wander and collect them later. Not to mention it just adds to the already high costs....birthday parties in Dubai...eeekkk!!!
What about brothers and sisters coming along (who are much younger than the celebrant)?? In your opinion, what's the ettiquette re food for adults and siblings who have not been invited?

SweetSugar123

513

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 09:10

Oh dear, invites have gone out already. I will tell them that if they ask about bringing a sibling. Good point IWOM. Thanks.

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IWOM

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 27 September 2011 - 08:38

I feel the same as Guiness. I often have to take another child along because DH travels and there is no one to look after the child. But I don't expect them to be part of the party. I pay for their entrance and their food and don'texpect a lolly bag. However...I have had it in the past that a parent has asked do I mind if a sibling comes. I've said no, assuming the parent is paying for said sibling, only to be called up to the entrance to the party and told in front of the parent that the sibling's name is missing from the list and can they let them in. I was kind of embarrassed and ended up paying for everything for the sibling. Since that time, I put a PS on the invitations saying "If you are needing to bring siblings, the entry cost is xxx and please check the website for food costs" to make it clear I am only paying for the invited child.

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SweetSugar123

513

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 21:46

Thanks ladies, some good things to consider. Guinness, I hope everyone coming thinks like you! ;)

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AnonDubai

5452

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 20:49

I recently had a birthday party in a mall for my DD. It was a morning party so I did not think it was appropriate to put out food for the adults. But I asked the party coordinator to take orders from the parents for coffee and tea as they arrived. After 30 minutes, the man placed the orders and the drinks were delivered soon afterwards, which I paid for. I thought that was really great and convenient and perhaps you could try that.

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kayserra132833

682

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 20:38

Would you provide snacks to parents at a kids party that is being held in a mall? yes I would and do....finger food like samosas, spring rolls etc

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guinness24707

1238

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:40

Look, I've got four kids and its inevitable that more than one will be with me when I go to a party. But I always expect to pay for my extra kids if it is at a playarea or whatever. No worries. And I never expect a party bag for the others.

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SweetSugar123

513

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:29

I like both your responses. You can serve food but it would be in the cafe/waiting area, which as I mentioned is not close to the birthday party room. They could always buy their own snacks if they fancied waiting there, right? I have only invited her friends and have had moms ask right out can the brothers/sisters come too. I could never ask that so dont even know what to say to them! Well I'd think of an answer, otherwise you could end up with parents rocking up and dropping off hoards of kids, plus maids for you to deal with. You're right! There certainly wont be food for them. Its a huge play area, only thing is, they would have to pay if their kids play and does not form part of the official birthday party. I will tell them that. Up to them if they dont want to come along then. I will read the other thread as well. So, am I being difficult or reasonable?

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Chocs0137540

3804

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:26

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SweetSugar123

513

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:24

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egg

1052

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:18

All parties ihave taken DS to parents have been given a slice of cake at the cake cutting at the end if there was enough left over, i wouldnt provide snacks for the parents, its a kids party, cater for the kids yes but not the parents. :)

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GEA198436558

394

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 26 September 2011 - 18:18

I wouldnt bother with food if you cant serve it anyway. RE: invite list - there was a huge thread a while back about inviting siblings to parties. cant remember what the title was now - maybe someone else will. anyway in my opinion i would invite the your wee ones actual friends (not siblings too) as parties are expensive enough without automatically doubling the guest list by saying siblings welcome.

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