3Yo Birthday Party.. Question About Whether to Invite Friends Siblings...

If these people are your friends I would just talk to them about the issue.

I would bring it up like:

"We're thinking of having XX's party at XX Pizza Place and did you know they limit the kids I can have at the table? It's so hard to figure out what their issue is...If we do it there would you guys mind sitting at the next table over with your little ones? I am still buying pizza and drinks for everyone but they don't allow more to sit at the table." If they have hurt feelings over it then they may just not understand the issue behind the scene.

I would also make sure and tell them you are planning on paying for the entire meals though, they may think you are just trying to imply they will need to buy their own food. But then again, if they are really good friends I might just tell them about the paying the $5 each for additional guests.

You could address the invite to the whole family and then when they get to the party have name cards or favors with the kids names on them at the 3 year old table, so they know just those kids are supposed to sit at that table. And, just let them know as they are walking in too. I would just make sure there is an area that the parents can comfortably sit with their younger ones and maybe have a little goodie for each of the little ones too.

Well, I don't think it's really fair to just serve food to some of the kids. If you're only providing foods for the 3 year olds, then you need to address the invitation to ONLY them. If you really want to invite the siblings, you have to plan on feeding them too.

Do a drop off party - that way you don't have all the parents and babies around and you can focus on the 3 year olds. The parents will probably enjoy time off for a few hours! I know I do. The play has staff there, so you don't need all those parents.

I would address the invitation to the child you intend on inviting. Then if they ask, let them know the infants can tag along.

Unless you want the infants "invited", then I would address the invitation to the family.

If the siblings are not part of the party table and doing everything the guests are, I would only address the invite to the friend of the birthday kid. If anyone asks whether they can bring a sibling and you want to allow it, let them know it's fine and that you will cover the extra charge (be sure they know there is one even if you are paying for it) but that they wont' be participating in whatever events like sitting at the party table.