Dear Mrs. Party,
We're having a birthday party at the park for my son.  Some of the parents
have asked to bring siblings.  I said yes since it's a large area.  Should I
have both food and party favors for the siblings?  We are really on a budget.
D.N. Houston, TX.

Dear D.N.,
Yes, have food and party favors for everyone.  My 3 year old always cries in the car after a party that my son went to and has a party favor that he won't give her.  Always think of the guests.  Babysitters are costly and parties should be the more the merrier.  So I'm glad you are letting the siblings come.

There is a way to do this inexpensively.  If you have personalized party favors for the invitee, then just have goody bags for the extra kids.  As for the food, kids don't eat that much, so having a little extra like a pizza should be within the budget. 
Mrs. Party ... Gail Leino

Dear Mrs. Party,
I put R.S.V.P. with a date on invitations to a party.  Not everyone has replied by the date.  Should I call them or assume they are not coming.
K.Q. Chicago, IL.

Dear K.Q.,
Give them a friendly call just in case they never received the invitation.  Sometimes I get an invitation that says, "R.S.V.P. Regrets Only."  I disagree with this, since there is a chance that someone accidentally may not have received the invitation.
Mrs. Party ... Gail Leino

Dear Mrs. Party,
Do you think it's okay to serve beer to the adults at my preschooler's birthday party?
R.B., NY, NY

Dear R.B.,
I don't see why not.  (If any readers feel strongly against it, I'd like to hear from you.)  Make sure, of course that there are non alcoholic choices.
Mrs. Party ... Gail Leino

Dear Mrs. Party,
My 6 year old son is having a party and inviting all the boys in the first grade.  There is one mother, which I can't stand, whose son caused my son to get stitches when playing soccer.  Her kid is rough.  Do you think it is okay not to invite her son to the party?
L.P., Seattle, WA

Dear L.P.,
No.  You should not exclude one child.  If you do, you will be the _itch. Kids forgive and forget much sooner then adults.  Accidents happen when kids play sports.
Mrs. Party ... Gail Leino