Unbelievable........ .

Are you suggesting that everyone who was invited was asked to pay for their child rosequartz. My how children's birthday parties have changed!

I can see why it is on the news if this is what birthday parties have got to. How our culture is changing.

And at times like this, I am so glad I live in a country that is 30 years behind ;)

I think the whole thing just underlines the stupidity of paying out for expensive parties for small children. 5 year olds would have been quite happy with a few games, chocolate fingers, birthday cake and a party bag. So much cheaper and more flexible if people turn up or drop out unexpectedly. Surely it makes more sense to keep parties like this till the children are older and only invite ones who are close friends, in which case you probably know the parents quite well and can contact them easily.

Absolutely ... doh!

I agree Deedaa. I think doing things within your means is quite a good idea too. There are still some parents who do though and I suppose there were always some who wanted to impress too.

Two of the best parties we had for DGS and DGD were trips to soft play when they were 4. 10 or so friends at around £3-4 per head and catered ourselves with finger foods in the 'party room'. They ran themselves ragged for over an hour, ate and went home very pink, tired out and clutching a party bag!

Silly people having a silly argument. Now lets get more important things on the BBC news....Boko Haram, Isis, Greece going bankrupt, forthcoming general election.........

But how sad to be setting this sort of example to the little boys concerned. I read that they "used to play together".
Honestly, sometimes "they *you up, your mum and dad" to use a well known opening line.

There should have been 4 * as in " **" but you get my drift.

I had this at my DD's 18th when one of her friends dropped out of going to go-karting. She was supposed to be taking some others in her car too so who stepped in? Mum, of course. I had to leave all other preparations, take them (about 10 in two cars) to the venue, have a go at go-karting (because all places had been paid for by me beforehand), drive home, get the party room ready at the pub, go home and get ready, go back and set up buffet and then greet guests and party. No wonder I'm shattered these days! lol

I didn't, however, charge the girl who cancelled at the last minute and that was about £30 each.