First Birthday - Denver,CO

In my opinion and in my experience, food and drinks is all I find neccssary to entertain adults at a child's party. The point of a child's party is the child's party, not the entertainment of the adults. I've been the attending parent of parties and I've been the parent giving the party. When I've attended, we eat, drink, chat and keep a side eye on the children. I wouldn't want to be the type to expect an adult party on top of the child's party...that would be too much pressure for me once it's time to give the party myself. The easier my opinions and expectations on others, the easier it is on myself. Even when it comes to food and drink, I like it to be friendly to everyone there. I can't please everyone and if someone walks away with judgement that it should have been more adult friendly (whatever that is) then oh well. Keep it simple and easy....the most important things are that you and your child is happy and having fun. If I find I'm putting too much pressure on myself to make everyone happy, I end up having a stressful time and that effects my chidren...and then their fun is squashed.

Since the kids in the daycare are older, maybe you could do sidewalk chalk (if you're planning to be outside), set up a craft/coloring station, or have them decorate their own cupcakes. Have fun!

You don't have to do much. Open gifts first and they will have plenty to entertain themselves. Obviously, they are really too young for games or anything organized. Bubbles are lots of fun, and my son loved the helium balloons. Mostly, you're entertaining the adults :-)

For one year, why not just have family? That is what we did. There was one 4 year old because she is my son's godsister, but the rest adults. That way your child is the focus. At one, they really aren't social and don't really care who is there. You can do the kid party at 2 when they play better together.

If she's just turning one, I wouldn't invite anyone other than family or close family friends. She's not going to remember it. And the more people, the more hectic it tends to be, which means the more grumpy she'll be. I've seen a lot of 1-year-olds end up in tears long before the cake even comes out because it's just too overwhelming. Parents tend to have big expectations for baby's first birthday, and it usually ends in disappointment for parents and tears for baby.

Here here! A one yr old is not a social creature. They play along side of other children, not with them. Trying to get together a birthday activity will be like herding cats.

The bubbles are an awesome idea though. But don't be surprised when they don't clap for the birthday girl and instinctively take her toys. :D

That's a crazy age range, but it's usually what shows up at my birthday parties too. I usually knock out all of the party part-food, cake, ice cream & get to the presents fast. One year I enlisted the help of the other mommies, handed them each a steak knife & we opened presents, busted down boxes & had the kids all playing with the new toys w/in 10 mins. I suggest that-just don't forget to keep out the instructions & paperwork for everything & police up the knives! Maybe you could give the older kids goodie bags early so they've got something to do too..
Have a great time! You'll be surprised how well they'll all play together.