Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I'd be kind of ticked off if my kid went to a friend's birthday party and all the adults were drinking wine and beer. It sets a bad example, too. I like wine (beer, not so much) but save it for the grownup parties.

+1 exactly!

You'd be horrified to know when I grew up wine was served in the daytime, right in church.

PP here. My church as well. But not for a kids' daytime birthday party.

The point is, it's not a bad example for adults to drink alcohol, no matter what the context. The are grownups. Some anxious adults to better with an adult beverage in a social situation. It doesn't mean they are sloppy drunks. So OP, do exactly you what you want. Only the most irritating people would complain about not having at a child's birthday party. It's fine.

Didn't say they are sloppy drunks; but if an adult can't get through a children's birthday party without an alcoholic beverage, that's a sad situation. It's supposed to be about the children. Perhaps the "anxious adults" should stay home.

Wow, you must be nice.

What wasn't nice about that post? Making a comment that adults should be able to enjoy a kids' party without alcohol? Whatever.

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.

Anonymous wrote:Are you going to go cheap on the food too? Cheap food and no liquor is a bad combination.

This is the board where people get 1 large pizza for 8 people...so yeah.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Nothing sadder than making a beer run during a toddler's birthday party. Pure class!

Are you going to go cheap on the food too? Cheap food and no liquor is a bad combination.

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You definitely can, though I think it's nice to have available if possible. I don't have kids, but I go to a lot of kids birthday parties for the children of my friends and my god daughter. I am usually the one who helps set up before and picks up afterwards since I'm not ferrying a toddler home for a nap after the party. I would definitely appreciate a glass of wine and I have always been offered one.

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.

+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?

Anonymous wrote:Alcohol is inappropriate for a young child's birthday party. It would be fun if you had some soft drinks or fruit punch available. If people want to get buzzed, they can go to a bar and call an Uber to get home.

What are you talking about?

Anonymous wrote:You definitely can, though I think it's nice to have available if possible. I don't have kids, but I go to a lot of kids birthday parties for the children of my friends and my god daughter. I am usually the one who helps set up before and picks up afterwards since I'm not ferrying a toddler home for a nap after the party. I would definitely appreciate a glass of wine and I have always been offered one.

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.

We have fired up the margarita machine for everyone of DSs birthdays.

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.

Anonymous wrote:Offer weed instead

Everyone can be 3 year olds!

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.

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Anonymous wrote:Are people this cheap? Really?

OP here. Is it really considered “cheap” to not offer beer and wine at a 3 years birthday party at 2pm?? Really?? That’s what you would think? This is why I posted. Seriously asking.

Um, OP, you literally said as a reason in your original post, "Alcohol is expensive". So, you tell me?

Being “cheap” is different than stating that alcohol is expensive. It IS expensive. But does that make me CHEAP for not wanting to pay for alcohol for a situation where I think alcohol is unnecessary?

It’s not cheap.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are people this cheap? Really?

OP here. Is it really considered “cheap” to not offer beer and wine at a 3 years birthday party at 2pm?? Really?? That’s what you would think? This is why I posted. Seriously asking.

Um, OP, you literally said as a reason in your original post, "Alcohol is expensive". So, you tell me?

Being “cheap” is different than stating that alcohol is expensive. It IS expensive. But does that make me CHEAP for not wanting to pay for alcohol for a situation where I think alcohol is unnecessary?

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.

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.