[veggiepatchfamil...]

I am after ideas for my sister.
She is in charge of arranging a hens party for the last of their group of friends.
Each of the other parties has cost money (such as hiring a house to go stay in) and nights out with drinking and silly games.

However now every person attending the function (except the bride) is either breastfeeding or pregnant.

She is totally stumped as to what to do.
They were thinking a high tea, however they aren't able to cook food as they just cant find time.
They cant really do an event such as a class or something as the babies will need feeding/settling at different times so its highly unlikely everyone will be participating at the same time.

I suggested just doing it at one of their houses and maybe hiring a beautician or something like that, possibly two or three different things and having little station type things and also getting our chef sister to cater. Possibly even hiring a nanny for the day so the mums can feel a little freedom.

She is located in the south east suburbs of Melbourne.

Can you suggest some fun ideas that will still make it a hens night to remember and could you suggest some local contacts to use.

[CharliMarley]

I think Hen's Nights have gone over the top, in the last 20 years and all those young people falling around the streets drunk and getting their friends to hold their hair out of the vomit - not a good look
What is wrong with bringing back the nice "kitchen tea" theme. Usually held in someone's house with food and cups of tea and a few games. Nobody vomits in the bushes and the next day heads are quite clear and your liver is saved.

[kitkatswing]

Platters of food (order so no having to make), constant kettle. I like the pampering idea, it would be lovely to attend!.
Massage, nails, facials etc...

Hens dont need to be over the top! I only had one drink on mine (my Australian one anyway) as I had laryngitis and couldnt speak).. Still had a fantastic night (Draculas)

[Therese]

I think the idea of a beautician coming out is a great one. And then maybe some nice afternoon tea as well.

[Carmen02]

I think the idea of a beautician coming out is a great one. And then maybe some nice afternoon tea as well.

i agree, massages and nails the works..with snacks and things

[Dinosaurus]

I like your ideas but make sure the beautician is up to date on what pregnant women can and can't be exposed to (I have no idea I just vaguely recall there being things incompatible with pregnancy)

A high tea at someone's house with the salon/spa day?

Hire a couple of nanny's, a bunch of portacots (!) and you can still have fun.

You can still play games - maybe the more celebrity heads and charades type ones than guess how big the husbands c*ck is, but still - it could be nice

[Ally'smum]

I think a high tea at home, with a nanny would be great.

Do they need anything more than that?

I wouldn't be into doing any beauty treatments in a group environment, but beautiful food, non-alcholic champagne and someone to entertain the kids would be a great afternoon/night out in my book.

How things have changed!

[zande]

What about going out for a nice lunch at a great venue, or a really flash high tea out?

[Holidayromp]

Bugger going to the expense of nannies - don't the babies/children have fathers? I am sure a couple of hours wouldn't kill them.

I second the kitchen tea idea. I attended one when the bride was pregnant with her first. There were games - one a memory one and the other pin the willy on the man. There were cream cakes and other foods and some alcohol in the form of low alcohol wines/normal strength and a wide range of soft drinks.

It was a fantastic afternoon and only went for about two or three hours.

However if you are time poor re food most places do catering. Bakeries can supply the cream cakes etc, coles and woollies provide really nice platters or pay someone to cater finger food.

[Cirrus]

What about a private mums and bubs Yoga class, in an area not too far but far enough to feel like a getaway - eg go to Kallista tea house for scones etc then Yarra ranges yoga.
Mums and bubs yoga teachers encourage mums to break to attend to their baby whenever they like