2Nd Birthday Parties

[Chasingcars]

Having a little party for my 2 yr old daughter. Thought 2 hours would be about right for length of party?
Any ideas, tips, suggestions?
Are they too young for games?
I read somewhere that its best to serve food with children sitting at a table, rather than buffet style but i dont think i could get enough booster seats or highchairs for all the children to sit up at the table.
Thinking of a picnic style lunch on beanbags and cushions- would that work.
Music?

Any feedback welcome - thank you! x

[dancecaller]

Good luck with it.
At 2 they are rather young so make sure they all have an adult with them.
Can you let them use a big ball pool, and a pile of soft toys for a short while. Then a singing session (if they go to a toddler group they may now the same songs). Can you borrow a big story book from the library (there are some that are big enough for all the children to see the pictures). Then while they are all sat quietly (!with luck!) hand out party food boxes.
Can parents bring boosters and closed drinkers for their children, otherwise you could have spills and chaos. It's not really a good time of year - outdoors might be easier.
Some Soft Play areas have a special part for young children, ours http://www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk/crazy-daisys-play-barn/ also has rooms with small tables and chairs which they hire for party teas (you can bring food or buy platters from them). Or how about a visit to a petting farm.

[bednobs]

just pay a soft play place to host it!

[dancecaller]

How many children were you thinking of. If she has a few friends who come to play regularly just do what they usually do but include food.
I would keep the number small.
Put away any toys that might get broken (and any birthday presents) and tell her that she will share her toys with her guest while they are here.

[sherrardk]

A quick game of (highly supervised) pass the parcel, bit of musical statues. You could get some party lunch boxes (like the Mac Donald's ones) and give everyone the same food (don't let them choose for themselves, nightmare). Two hours might be a bit long to keep them entertained - maybe and hour and a half (between the late arrivers and the early leavers it will be nearer to an hour). Good luck!

[idiosyncrasy]

from experience 2 hours is long enough for 2 year olds. Games can be a little difficult so generally I would say little singing games would be best. Pass the parcel is usually a good game, but with 2 year olds it can be hard because they probably wouldn't grasp the concept of handing the parcel round when the music starts. Depends on how many helpers you have, as a guide I would have 1 helper to 3 children.Hope this helps.