1St Birthday????? - Arlington Heights,IL

Hi K.,

If you're looking for a place outside of your home to host a party, the online Birthday Party Guide on www.kidwinks.com is a great resource with hundreds of birthday party places listed and many reviewed by other parents. Here's a direct link to the Guide: http://www.kidwinks.com/ForKids/6/KidsBirthdayPartyPlaces...
Just scroll down to the yellow area at the bottom and you'll see a link for All Birthday Party Places. If you become a member of kidwinks, which is free, you can then sort that list of hundreds by distance from your house, which is very handy! Note you must be logged into kidwinks in order to do that sort.

We have been doing it big since my daughter's 1st birthday! She is now 3 years old. But the best place for us was Pied Piper Parties on Lincoln. It was a simple Backyardigans theme too. They can do any theme you want. We had kids and adults. They set up and clean and cook. All you do is show up. The owners are Stephanie and Janelle. They are great. Good luck with your search.
S.

Unless you absolutely can't or have a ton of relatives to invite, just have a family party at home, IMO. Believe me, you will have PLENTY of opportunities to throw a dance party or jungle party or ballet party, etc.

At the first birthday, the baby won't even know or care where they are. The relatives just want a chance to visit with the baby and you want to take a funny picture of the birthday girl eating her cake. Just offer up a veggie tray and some punch and cupcakes for everyone and all will be well. Save the big productions for when your girl is old enough to enjoy and appreciate them.