[gchappel]

This party is for the parents, not the child. Trust me, your 3 year old will not remember the party. They will probably not even enjoy the crowd. They are 3- their environment does not yet extend more than 10feet from them. They love a new toy- they don't understand 30 new toys. Watch-- they will pick out one favorite new thing to play with- may even be some of the paper something was wrapped in. Look around at these parties- how many kids are crying, how many parents are yelling about this and that-- these are not relaxing joyous childhood experiences. They are something we survive. 3year olds don't want cake- we do. They don't want fancy drinks, hats, candles, clowns(most think clowns are creepy.) They don't know about social pressure- they don't know about inviting the right people. Do you want your child to enjoy their 3yr birthday- spend the whole day with them. Play. Have no other responsiblities the whole day except to play with your child. That they might remember, and I am sure you will. The day will only be enjoyable for your child if it enjoyable for you- no stress. Have it somewhere else where you can enjoy it.
Been there, done that.
Gary