Ideas/inspiration needed

cat64

My OHs birthday is coming up shortly and I was keen to organise a surprise party for him. However, the number of people coming is low - only around 25-30. A few people have suggested that we go for a meal instead but a) a few people are travelling from a distance and are already paying for b&b and I feel awkward asking people to pay for a meal on top and b) you don't get to talk to everybody if you're sitting down at a table.

The pub I had booked for the party is quite small so I don't think it would look empty.

I suppose I just wondered if anyone has any ideas about celebrating the occasion when numbers are low?? Ages will be mixed.

paddingtondoo

we only had 35 people at our wedding reception and as it was a Monday they let us have the biggest room for nothing.

i was worried that it would look empty but it was great as it didn't get hot and sweaty and no one had to queue for the bar

And there was plenty of room for the more adventurous on the dance floor :rotfl:

QueenBee

I know it sounds odd but we played BINGO at our wedding ...my dad was worried the people would get 'bored' as there is a gap between reception and evening do .....went down really well and 9 years on it is still brought up when we meet up with the relatives!!!

QueenBee

Also bought a bag of goodies for any children - colouring book, snap cards, bubbles etc so they were occupied!

cat64

Thank you both for your replies

FingersCrossed_2

It might sound daft, but i'd think about organising some games to get the night started. It always takes people ages to get up on the dance floor otherwise. Party games break the ice and can get the night going quicker.

cat64

Thanks fingerscrossed - this had crossed my mind but wasnt sure of what sort of games would be suitable for a wide age range.Also someone would need to get everyone involved and I prefer to blend in the background a bit:D Any ideas?