| We did water, juice (for the kids), and one fun punch. It was a Harry Potter themed party, so we did rainbow sherbet with sprite and some green food coloring. Everyone seemed to have some of the punch, but otherwise water seemed fine. Don't over think it. |
If you think it's unnecessary - and assuming you're OP - then don't overthink this? You asked for input and some of the PPs think that alcohol is an important component to being a good host or having a fun party. That's their perspective. You have your perspective. I'm the poster above who said most of the kiddie parties I go to in DC at people's homes serve alcohol. But I by no means see it as "necessary" and wouldn't judge you for not offering it, especially at an early afternoon party (might feel different if it was 5 PM). Don't overthink this. |
It’s not cheap. |
| It's fine not to serve alcohol at a child's birthday party. If you wanted to, that would probably be fine, too, but if you don't want to, that's totally acceptable. As a guest, I wouldn't bat an eye either way. It is nice to have a non-water option--flavored seltzer, or iced tea or something--but no need for booze. |
Everyone can be 3 year olds! |
| OP, is this party just relatives celebrating a birthday for the 3 year old or are there other children attending? At that age, the party is really for the parents and family. |
| We have fired up the margarita machine for everyone of DSs birthdays. |
This is exactly the right answer. I’m not sure who is more ridiculous- the people who insist that alcohol must be served, or the zealots hyperventilating about how beer and wine would be improper or set a bad example. Whackos, all of them. |
What are you talking about? |
+1 It’s really not a big deal either way. Although if 2 pm On a nice Saturday isn’t a great time for a beer, what is? At midnight in a dark room is the only time a drink is OK? |
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Why not just tell your brother and sister that you’re not serving alcohol but if they want to bring some, for themselves, that’s fine.
If we were at a sibling’s house and DH wanted a beer, he’d run down to the liquor store and get a 12 pack to share. |
| Are you going to go cheap on the food too? Cheap food and no liquor is a bad combination. |
Nothing sadder than making a beer run during a toddler's birthday party. Pure class! |
This is the board where people get 1 large pizza for 8 people...so yeah. |
It wasn't nice because you made a judgmental assumption that any adults who chose an alcoholic beverage did so because they couldn't enjoy themselves without it. Maybe they just preferred it, the same way they might choose cake instead of ice cream. |