How about having the next one at a park and make it pot luck, with people committing to a dish along with their RSVP? Parks will let you reserve space for a fee that isn't too outrageous, and you won't have the clean up mess or the bathroom problem, and all the kids can run around as much as they want, as long as you have 2 people supervising the food.
If they commit to food, then they can't/won't be last minute no shows, and if they are, they would never receive a follow-up invite, ever!
If you want to do a cookout, then you supply the meat, and ask everyone attending to bring a salad or dessert of their choice. I love salad pot lucks because there are so many varieties - pasta, potato, broccoli, mandarin, the possibilities are endless!
If their own parents don't keep an eye on them, maybe the really bad ones will fall into the pond or river. (just kidding!)
If they commit to food, then they can't/won't be last minute no shows, and if they are, they would never receive a follow-up invite, ever!
If you want to do a cookout, then you supply the meat, and ask everyone attending to bring a salad or dessert of their choice. I love salad pot lucks because there are so many varieties - pasta, potato, broccoli, mandarin, the possibilities are endless!
If their own parents don't keep an eye on them, maybe the really bad ones will fall into the pond or river. (just kidding!)