Adults-Only Birthday Parties?

Have you ever hosted an “adults-only” birthday party? I don’t mean anything raunchy or rowdy, but say, a party at an upscale tea room, cocktail lounge or other place that children would be out of place in? How did it go over? Were parents miffed that they couldn’t bring their children? Would you do it again?

I must say that I have experience both of your questions. Yes I have hosted an all adult party and it was great. Especially if the adults attending have children, it is a way for you to let loose with out the stress of having to yell at the kids to stop playing with the glass figures. They get to remember what it is like to be like the rest the adult population. So just make sure you have some fun games,good music, and great mixed drinks. In regards to the other question if they get upset if you request no children, they will get upset at first I know because the same has happened to me and I was upset, because it is extremely difficult to find a sitter especially if you have more that one child, but if they attend that night they will be grateful you did.

Tanya0724, thanks so much for your perspective. I have been pondering an “adults-only” birthday party for one of my friends, because she is a SAHM and I think she’d like some time without having to worry about the kids. However, I didn’t know if others would get on board with that.

Perhaps if I send out the invites a little earlier than normal, everyone would have time to find a sitter or make arrangements with grandparents, etc. I think that people would have a really good time! Thanks for your ideas!

Use a really good site that has lots of themes for invitations for adult parties.

If kids are the sticking point for an adult birthday party, would it be possible to pool your resources for a baby-sitter or two to take care of multiple children?  They could have their own mini-party so they won’t be sad that mom and/or dad are having fun without them.  This would of course depend on the availability of sitters that parents trust and could handle a larger group. Alternately, if you turn the party into a girls or guys night out, this would free up some members of the opposite sex to watch the kids.

Whichever way you decide to go, be sure to specify your intentions when you invite your guests so there is no confusion. Don’t automatically assume that your guests are going to know whether it’s okay to bring kids or not. No one wants to be the only person to show up with (or without) their children at a party.

I think I could round-up a few teens to watch the kids for a few hours. My hubs works at a retail store with loads of teenagers, and I’m sure a few would be willing to help out at a reasonable rate.

Mary, along with Lorie‘s suggestion of providing a sitter, I was thinking of including that info right in the invitation. Do you think that’s enough, or should I reiterate it when people RSVP?

Thanks everyone!

Noting your plans on the invitation is key to setting the right expectations for your party and for helping the invitees decide if they are comfortable with the party plans. I think you would be very smart to also remind people of your plans about kids when the invitees RSVP. It’s amazing how many people will not have noticed (or will have forgotten!) your note on the invitation. We don’t want people to be surprised when they arrive at the party.

I think you should do both ... include your expectations on the invitation and restate (without being rude) when people RSVP. Don’t be rude about it. Avoid saying “Now, I just want to be sure you aren’t bringing your kids.” Maybe say, “I’m looking forward to seeing you and Bob. Is your mom watching the kids for you?” or something similar that would be appropriate for the particulr person you are speaking with.