But I bit the bullet and so glad that I did now.... although hosting birthday parties is never going to be a favourite activity of mine. This one was possibly the most successful party I have ever had, largely due to the wonderful blessing of having my mother also staying here on that weekend. My mother is an expert at birthday parties. I would prefer to avoid them except for the joy that they give the kids.
I had been told many things about birthday parties in Belgium (in the french sector) - that they don't do them, that they don't play party games, that they arrive late, that they are too busy on the weekends doing family stuff, and that they don't RSVP and may or may not turn up.
Given the RSVP issue, I didn't particularly want to spend a fortune booking a venue only to have potentially noone arrive, so I organised the party to be at our apartment and asked them to bring roller blades or scooters to have fun in our outside courtyard.
Invitations went out and I was pleasantly surprised when 2 mothers RSVPd immediately. I had an interesting conversation with the first mother on the phone when I was trying to explain that our apartment entrance was at the back, but unfortunately I was actually saying it was at the backside (yes, as in butt), I suspect she may have been silently laughing at me as she corrected my french... Two other mothers I knew by sight and saw them often at school so I was able to ask them directly, and the last girl did not RSVP but did turn up for the party (although she appeared to get the time wrong and arrived an hour late).
I had no idea what the usual custom is - whether parents stay or drop and go. But it appears that they drop and go, and do not come into the house or make small chitchat or anything. Then to collect, they arrive at exactly the finish time and wait outside the building until the child descends.
I organised a craft activity - making paper flowers and decorating flowerpots which they all had a ball doing, followed by party games.
I had the impression that they were not used to party games: cut the chocolate game was a huge hit, and the egg and spoon race also went down well.
They spent a bit of time scootering around outside and then we had the cake. Given the choice, they decided to sing happy birthday in English. Nothing quite as cute as little french kids singing in English <3.... now if only my kids start to pick up on those accents...
And then it was time for presents and kisses all round. 
And so we survived.... We managed a houseful of girls who pretty much only spoke french. My girls appear to be speaking and understanding enough to be fully in the midst of all the activities. I managed to explain the games and activities using a combination of french and lots of gestures. All in all a huge success. My big 10 year old had an amazing time and was just glowing with self confidence. Oddly she appears to be more confident and sure of herself in this foreign land speaking a language that she does not yet fully grasp than she ever did back in Australia. We have definitely been lucky that she has a class full of girls who are all universally lovely natured and kind.
Since the party, some definite changes- the mums that I know by sight are actually speaking to me! (and more than just a cursory bonjour) and I now get kisses from many kids at school pick up time as they run to greet me when I arrive. It is a lovely culture here, the kids kiss the adults and even the teachers as a greeting, and even it appears from my experience, if you don't actually know them. I was quite surprised that all the invited kids could come to the party and I suspect this may be partly out of curiosity to know what this odd english speaking family do for birthdays, and maybe birthday parties are a novelty for the french kids here? Time will tell once a few more kids have their birthdays later this year.... Having conquered this one, I feel more able to tackle the next one in a month or so.
