Poll: Alcohol at a One Yr Olds Bday?

We have beer and wine at all of our parties, including the kid's parties. Most people's child birthday parties around here do. At my first child's first birthday, my MIL made a remark about it (and she's a drinker), and God love my mother (who was nevermuch of a drinker),she said, "If there was evera time to drink, it's a children's birthday party!" I heartily agree! When 20+ tiny kids on sugar highs are tearing around my house squealing and screaming, a giant glass of wine is perfect!

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Our parties always include beer. We just had my five week old daughter baptized and had beer at her party. It's not a big deal.

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You don't HAVE to have alcohol, but since it's the weekend, it might be nice to have something to offer. I wouldn't set it out, but if someone wants something, just let them know it's in the fridge (or grab them one). On my son's first birthday, we did an evening, after dinner Saturday, super small party with family and friends, and just the nature of our family and friends, we had a few beers to pass out (which was kind of unintentional, we don't drink beer, it just happened to be in the fridge). Obviously, being a 1 year old's party, you don't want everyone getting trashed... but a beer or a glass of wine might make all the kid oriented stuff a little more tolerable ;) Your call my dear! I'd say there's no right or wrong answer, it's all based on YOUR personal preference. Happy birthday little one!!

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A one year olds party is hardly a pary for the child, it is much for the friends and family coming to celebrate with you. I see know problem with it. I am sure they were drinking at my sons. Not me I was breastfeeding. When we got tired we went in napped, and hubby hung out. It was fine. Now his elementary parties, were short and no alcohol, as it was not about my friends, it was his.

Like most it depends on the type of party and who is coming.

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I always have alcohol at my kids parties! :) I find when you throw a bunch of people together that don't know each other, it helps to have a few cold beers in the cooler. Especially if there will be dads there. You should see the look of relief on thier faces! I mean, come on people. It's not like we are saying get the baby drunk or get parents too drunk to drive with thier kids in the car! But it's a gathering of people coming together to celebrate. Why not have a pitcher of Sangria or a few cold beers waiting.

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You should do whatever you feel comfortable with. We always have beer at any celebration & others are welcome to bring any other alcohol, of their choice.

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I'm all for beer and wine (or more!) at any party, but it sure as heck isn't a requirement!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

No, you don't "NEED" to..

I personally would, I would ensure there is food so no one gets drunk....I would also pay attention to who is driving and such...

And YES!!! People will understand if you DO NOT serve alcohol...if they don't - then they have a problem...and you can't help that...

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We have liquor for the adults!! Juice boxes, lemonades, soda and water bottles etc. as well
You Dont have to offer it...... But since I Enjoy a cocktail, I have it there :-)
Happy First B-day !!!

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No you don't NEED to serve alcohol, but I see no problem if you do. I think it depends on the crowd you are inviting...some families freely drink during their holiday get-togethers, some groups of friends always meet at a bar or bring alcohol as a hostess gift...I doubt anyone would expect alcohol at a 1 yr old's bday party, though some may be pleasantly surprised if you serve it :)

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Sure they are adults, they can decide if they want a drink or not..

We had many events with kids and adults there.. Margaritas, wine or beer were available.. We never saw adults getting drunk. They were responsible so it was fine..

If they did not want to drink, there were many options.

We are responsible drinkers. Our children grow up seeing we are not boozers or alcoholics and of course we never served the kids. So no harm done..

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My son's 1 year old birthday was from 12-2, we didn't serve alcohol. It's funny, but the thought to serve alcohol didn't even cross my mind. We just had soda, iced tea and water. The last 1st bday party I went to there was a lot of beer and wine out for the guests...it's almost like it's more of a get together for the adults it seems, which is fine cause it's nice to get together. Either way is fine, your call.

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I come from a big German family and no matter what kind of party it is there is always beer and wine. If it is not provided we all know to bring our own. We did not have any at our son's first bday party because we held it at the Clubhouse in our neighborhood and they don't allow alcohol on the property. At his baptisim and 2nd bday everyone knew it would be in coolers in the garage. We always have more than enough food and no one gets drunk since we all know we have to get our kiddos home safe. Most of our parties start around noon and go on until the kiddos fall asleep so I guess noon is not to early for us. (most places will start selling/serving at noon anyway)
I don't think you HAVE to provide beer and wine since the party is only a couple hours. It's up to you.

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We always have soda, tea, water, juice, beer and wine at our family gatherings. If someone wants a drink, they are more than welcome to have one.

More often than not, I'm relaxing with a drink after the out laws leave. Good to have something cold on hand. :D

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We serve alcohol at our parties. I can't think of a birthday party I've been to where there hasn't been alcohol served, even for a kids party. It's not something you HAVE to do, not everyone will have a drink but from what I've seen, most do. If you choose not to it should not be a big deal, I certainly don't expect it when I go to parties, just always seems to be there.

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In my family, we always have alcohol for the adults at any get together. We are a casual drinking family, and it's no big deal at all. Kids know that they are adult drinks, and that they aren't allowed to drink it. In my opinion, it sets a good example of what responsible alcohol consumption is like.

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I think it's fine both ways. I think it depends on the culture you live in. We are Hungarian and we always serve alcohol at events. There is not even a question that someone would have too many. It's all about respect. If I was having a party at a child's party place then no, of course no alcohol. But if it's in the home, why not? Let the parents relax too. Kristina, what is up with your judgemental response about "questioning" the host of a party for having alcohol for the adults?

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No. My mother knows if she comes to bring her own whiskey. It;s a birthday party for a baby and it's only 2 hours long in the middle of the day.
Adults will understand.

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NO. Alcohol at a 1 year old party let alone any child's party isn't appropriate. Unless they are ALL staying over for the night and NOT driving etc. You are sending people on their way tipsy or drunk and DRIVING with children. Not ok or a good combo. Do what you planned--sweet tea etc. Its about your kiddos--not the alcohol. GL and have fun~

M

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whatever you would normally serve at a family party.

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People are getting into their cars and driving with children after your party, correct? People are stupid with alcohol and there are people who drink too much. I wouldn't even want the liability. No one needs alcohol at a children's party, and no one needs it this early. I mean seriously, at lunch time?

Added: There is a different liability factor when you are serving only adults. You are serving adults who also are putting children in their cars, with your knowledge of that. And, adults are idiots around alcohol (even normally responsible adults.) In no way would it surprise me if a mobile baby or toddler got a hold of a cup or bottle sitting around. And I would NEVER be surprised by an adult giving a kid a sip. Have you seen what alcohol does to people? Even normal people? Like I said before, it's a lunch time part for a baby. If adults think they need alcohol there, there is a big problem.

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Wine and beer are normal beverages for adults, so yes, go ahead. We always do. Most of my friends and family don't drink soda or tea, so what else would I serve them? Obviously, no mixed drinks.... ! :)

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It really depends on the type of party. In my family birthday parties start around three and run until they get a clue and leave. With that type of dinner/birthday party then of course you serve alcohol if that is what you inclined to serve with dinner.

For yours it sounds like a kid party, or you just don't like your family, all good mind you. I have never served alcohol at a kids party. Especially since the parents aren't actually invited, they just seem to linger......

Okay, no meal, no alcohol, meal serve what you would normally serve with that meal. :)

Margie, do we have the same mom?

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adults will completely understand and will be happy with anything.

So no you dont NEED to.
But if you want to, i see nothing wrong with it.
We had beer at my son's first bday party, granted ours was at 7pm.

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You don't NEED to serve alcohol. Probably easier and cheaper if you don't. Enjoy!

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that is totally your call but there usually isnt alcohol at a kid's party, especially one that is from 12-2.

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You do not need to serve alcohol. If you want to fine as long as the adult attendees don't get carried away.

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I've seen parties both ways and both are fine. I agree dads often like a beer but I've been to plenty of parties that no alcohol is served. In terms of liability, then I guess never ever have a party that serves alcohol... This is no different than an afternoon bbq or any other party. A 1 year old bday party is really for the adults. Even if it was a 7 year old's party, if all the parents are going to stay, then lots of people serve beer and/or wine. Not like anyone's going to serve it to the kids!!!

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I've almost always have alcohol at Kiddo's bday party when it's at home. No one in my circle (family or friends) drinks to excess. It's the norm in my family. At BBQ's there's a cooler of sodas/waters and a cooler of beer. This is the first year we're not (because it's a kids only sleepover). I also always serve adult food and 'kid food' (many parties there's only food for the kids).

The response from everyone attending who hadn't been to a previous party is "Oh! Thank god!" (<laughing> Although it splits between whether they're grateful for the food or alcohol). A 2 or 2.5 hour party means people can safely have a beer or 2, and then be completely sober to head home.

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No, it's a bday for the child, not the adults. I wouldn't;-)

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I didn't and we, along with all of our friends and family are used to beer, wine, alcohol and gatherings...but I just felt it wasn't appropriate. Afterall it is all about the 1 yr. old. Everyone understood and had fun drinking soda, and water! Have fun! :)

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Well one year old party. It's mostly family and freind of the parent. They are way to young anyways. If it bothers you put it in a red plastic cup. LOL. just to let you know. I thrown a party when my son was 2 years old. I had invited day care, he was in a special preschool for speech and ot. I invited kids from that. we jsut moved into a enw house invited neighboors. we had a big water slide in back yard for the kids. Like a bounce house water slide. we had beer,wine,mixed drinks on counter. was not thinking much of it really. Well one parent was so upset with the booze on the counter she pulled her kids out of there. she yelled not meaning to yell is this a KID PARTY? but one day was really cool about it. Thought htis was the best kid party ever. He had 3 kids.. It just depends. I would keep it in the food closet and tell people if you want a drink heres the fridge where the ice is an help your self with the red cup to the pantry. I just think if they want to relax that is cool have a drink. If they want to be up tight. drop your kid off LOL. as kids get a little older aruond 1st grade parents start to just drop there kids off at your door. No as much fun trying to met other parents .. just in my case ...

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It's a child's birthday party, Alcohol does not need to be served at a child's birthday party.

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No alcohol for us at parties....Ever. My husband is a recovering alcoholic (9 years sober) and I don't drink. Beer and Wine just drive up the cost of a party anyways. I always tell our friends and family that if they want to bring a beer then they ar emore than welcome to, but I am not going to supply it.
L.

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Either way is fine. I would probably stick to the nonalcoholic beverages b/c it is cheaper, early enough in the day that it shouldn't be expected, and I don't think it is necessary at a 1year old's party. With that said, I have done kid parties where I have had some beer for adults. Typically I only do this if it is going to be a casual party with my family. I know some family members like to have a beer or two, but no one is going to get out of control so i don't think it would be an issue. So my advice is just to do what feels right for you and your situation. Happy birthday to your little girl!

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I would be questioning the person offering alcohol at a child's birthday party. So, I would be saying no.

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we never do, but we don't hang out with drinkers. A friend of mine always has a cooler of beer and it's no big deal.

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We've never had alochol at our childrens' parties...neither have our friends/family. They don't expect it.

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No. Some adults don't hold the liquor well and will be an embarrassment to you and your other guests. I've been to parties like this and it's no fun for anyone except the drunk person.

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No. I don't think alcohol belongs at a child's birthday party ad besides isn't noon a little early for alcohol..

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id say no because its such an early party at my daughters first and second bday parties there was wine and beer both because it was JUST family and it was later in the afternoon. now if it was friends from a school then not at all would i do alcohol at all