Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

Who is doing or did a restaurant for first b-day? Pros/cons of this over having something at the house? We're back to thinking a big guest list , so I'm wondering if a restaurant will be cheaper/easier than at the house.

Thoughts?

Any restaurant suggestions in Suffolk, good prices and nice environment? I haven't even looked into this yet.

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

How many people?

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

Okay. I was told by DH that we are NOT having a big party for DS' 1st Bday. That said, it is going to be at our house-we have a big yard so we're lucky.

I think a BIG pro of having the party at a restaurant is no set up and no clean up. As well, no making yourself coo-coo cleaning the house before the party.

A pro of having it at home, you're at home. No need to "travel" to a restaurant. If DC gets cranky and wants to nap-put 'em in their on crib.

I can suggest San Marco Ristorante in Hauppague. My good friend had her DD's 1st bday there as well I have been to a bridal shower there.

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

I know you live out East - try the Best Western East End in Riverhead 369-2200 they were very accomodating to me

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

I will say for over 20-25 people, do it at a restaurant. Over 20-25 people, you will need to rent tables, chairs, etc... Very costly. With a small list, you can do it at home.

We are having a party but with a limited number of people. 20-25 max including kids. So we are doing a backyard BBQ.

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

Thanks so much for the viewpoints ladies. Our house & yard are pretty small, so if we do something big we'd have to go to a restaurant or MIL's house. I can make our house/yard work for 20 or so people if that's what we decide, you've inspired me.

Thanks

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

50-70 people is ALOT to tend too plus the wear and tear on your home..I would have it @ resturante or a Hall where you can decorate and have it catered.
Im going thru a similar situation for my Daughters Christening. I so dread the work! and entertaining 20 kids

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

One idea that someone I know did was she "rented out" an area of a local park to have a BBQ while the kids were able to play at the playground and run around the park. She actually did this for a 2 year old so the kids were able to enjoy the play area more than a one year old but if you have older kids it might be a good idea. She said the park only charged like $50 and then it was the same cost of food as doing it at home. You could decide if you want to barbeque or have food catered. Obviously this is only good for certain times of the year and rain could be a problem but many parks do have covered picnic areas. But I really thought it was an excellent idea and one that we are probably going to use for this baby's first birthday.

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

i'm doing it at matteo's in huntington, they have private rooms. honestly if i could've done it at home i would have but my house won't fit 40 people. at least this way i know the food will be great and i have to do nothing!

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location

We were looking at the Irish Coffee Pub. They had great prices and a lot of summer availability.

When we figured renting a tent, flatware, servers, sternos, trays of food, etc, it was costing exactly the same per plate as having all that other stuff at home.

Re: Getting desparate for ideas-- 1st b-day location