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A mother has struck a chord with other parents after sharing the heartache she felt for her daughter when just two children RSVP’d yes to attend her birthday party. Sadie Christgau, who goes by the username @saddiegou on TikTok, questioned whether other parents had faced similar situations in a video posted to the platform earlier this month, in which she revealed that she’d invited her daughter’s entire preschool class to her fifth birthday. “Two kids RSVP’d to my little girl’s birthday party. I invited her whole entire class. Two RSVP’d. It’s in two hours,” Christgau said in the video, before revealing that she invited all of her Facebook friends with children after she “started panicking” no one would show up. “I started panicking. I started inviting all my Facebook friends with kids and I said: ‘Just show up, we have enough stuff for 25 kids.’” “I don’t even know what to do,” an emotional Christgau added in the video, which saw her sitting in front of decorations she’d put up for her daughter’s party. In the caption of the video, the TikToker asked viewers whether they’ve ever found themselves in the same situation. “Has anyone else had this happen to their kid?” she wrote. The video, which has been viewed more than 3.1m times as of 22 June, has resonated with viewers, with many fellow parents revealing their own similar experiences. “Same happened for my daughter’s birthday last year!! I invited the entire class, eight RSVP’d, four of the eight cancelled at the last minute and only two showed!!” one viewer revealed. @saddiegau Has anyone else had this happen to thier kid? #fifthbirthday ♬ original sound - Sadiegau Another said: “We invited 35 kids to a joint birthday party for my son and daughter - even wrote on the invite to not bring gifts. Five rsvp’d and three showed up.” Numerous other parents revealed that they’d stopped hosting birthday parties for their children after similar scenarios, with many instead encouraging Christgau to celebrate her children’s birthdays with “experiences”. “This happened to my son when he was 12. We now only do birthday experiences. Pick somewhere you want to go instead. We all love it! It’s memories!” one person commented. Another said: “That’s why we stopped throwing birthday parties and instead let our kids pick what we do for their birthday and they’re always so happy.” “Yea, we stopped throwing parties. Instead I’ll take mine to go do something fun for the whole day and then have family over for cake and icecream!” someone else said. Other parents revealed that they make it a point to attend each birthday party their child is invited to so that the situation does not happen. “This is the exact reason we go to EVERY birthday party we are invited to. Breaks my heart,” one person wrote, while another viewer said: “It breaks my heart to read so many people saying that this has happened to their children too. My children go to every birthday they are invited to.” In a follow-up video, the TikToker revealed that the party was ultimately a success after her friends showed up with their children. @saddiegau Update! Thank you to everyone who shared kind words with me ❤️ ♬ original sound - Sadiegau “They came and they all had so much fun together,” she said. Christgau then addressed some of the critical comments she’d received on her initial video, with the mother of six revealing that many people had asked her why she’d invited her daughter’s entire class, or why she’d prepared to host 25 children. According to Christgau, she made sure she had enough for 25 children because she’s experienced people RSVP at the last second to birthday parties that she’s previously thrown for her children and would never want to have to turn a child away. “I can’t do it, that’s not me,” she said. As for why she invited the entire class, Christgau noted that her daughter is in preschool and is “still learning who her friend group is”. “And also, other kids don’t understand when they don’t get invited to a birthday party when they’re five. Some of them are even four! So obviously I’m going to invite the whole entire class,” she continued. The TikToker also addressed comments from viewers who’d suggested that the parents of classmates didn’t want to have to pay for birthday gifts, with Christgau revealing that her children bring handmade gifts when they attend birthday parties. “It’s really not about the gifts,” she explained, adding that it’s instead about “emotional development” and allowing children to “learn how to play with others”. After acknowledging that views on birthday parties are divided among parents, Christgau reiterated that she would never host a party without inviting her child’s entire class. “I’m not going to leave anyone out,” she said, before explaining that it may be different when her children are older, but that right now they are “still in the process of meeting each other and learning who each other are”. While speaking to Today, Christgau said she’d also invited all of the children in her daughter’s classroom because the five year old is “very social and assumes everyone is her best friend”. “I thought inviting the whole class would be easier than asking her to pick a few friends, and I didn’t want to leave anyone out,” she explained. The Independent has contacted Christgau for comment. Read More Mum sends out extremely blunt invites for twins’ multi-themed birthday: ‘Set your expectations appropriately’ Mother sparks viral debate for ‘shaming’ parent who refused to give her daughter a slice of cake Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

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Ideas for your next road trip!

For those who don’t want to check into a hotel, there is a budget-friendly alternative: the aparthotel. Long seen as the boring but functional alternative to traditional hotels for business travellers, stylish versions more akin to boutique boltholes have been popping up all over the country in recent years. They come with their own private kitchens, and sometimes even a lounge, which will provide couples and even families with much-needed space in which to relax. Unlike cottages or Airbnbs, there’s generally much better availability, flexibility and facilities, just like hotels. We’re talking everything from gyms and spas to bars and collaborative workspaces. So, if you’re someone who takes the phrase “a home away from home” seriously and are looking for the best of both worlds, we’ve found some of the best options to check in to around England. The best aparthotels in the UK are: Best aparthotel for a workation: Your Apartment Clifton Village Best aparthotel for gin-lovers: Kingsland Locke Best aparthotel for gym buffs: Native Manchester Best aparthotel for waterfront views: Staybridge Suites Best aparthotel for relaxation: Hiding Space Westgate Apartments Best spa aparthotel: Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, Christchurch Best aparthotel for home cooking: Hyatt House Manchester Best aparthotel for city stays: STAY Camden Best aparthotel for a workation: Your Apartment Clifton Village Location: Clifton, Bristol This Your Apartment’s outpost is in the heart of leafy Clifton Village, where cute coffee shops and gourmet delis are just a stroll away. Each of the 34 studio apartments come with a double or king size bed, kitchenette, dining tables and chairs. Everything is contactless – you can check yourself in via your mobile phone. If you stay for a week or more, for a workation (there’s a co-working space in the building), for example, they’ll even give you a discount. Best aparthotel for gin-lovers: Kingsland Locke Location: Hackney, London Locke has a small empire of design-led aparthotels in London, including the Kingsland Locke in the heart of Dalston. Upstairs, there are 124 apartments, subtly attired in mossy green, each with a full-sized kitchen. But perhaps the best bits are found elsewhere in the building, where, aside from a gym and co-working space, you’ll find KRAFT Dalston, a gin distillery and microbrewery in one. Best aparthotel for gym buffs: Native Manchester Location: Picadilly, Manchester Just two minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly train station, this collection of 166 smart apartments is housed in a warehouse that once stored bales of cotton imported from the US. There are seven different styles of room to choose from, including bijoux studios all the way up to a two-bed penthouse duplex. Every apartment has its own fully equipped kitchen, lounge space and king-size beds. There’s plenty to keep you busy in the building, including a restaurant, cinema and even a studio offering fitness classes. Best aparthotel for waterfront views: Staybridge Suites Liverpool Location: Liverpool A short walk from Tate Liverpool is IHG’s pet-friendly Staybridge Suites. You have the option of two different sized apartments – a smaller studio suite or a one-bedroom suite with a lounge spacious enough for a sofa bed for guests. If you’re in one of the 132 guest suites that offer stunning views of the Royal Albert Dock, you may well be tempted to stay in and enjoy the view. Otherwise, the city’s waterfront bar scene is ready to be soaked up. Oh, and they’ll treat you to breakfast the morning after. Best aparthotel for relaxation: Hiding Space Westgate Apartments Location: Bath Hiding Space has a few boutique-style aparthotels in Bath but the most centrally located is Westgate Apartments, just a few paces from the city’s celebrated Thermae Spa. While perfect for a couple, you also have the option of adding sofa beds to the airy, Scandi-inspired living rooms for bigger groups. There’s no on-site gym or restaurant here, but with the city’s gorgeous, honeyed architecture and vibrant food scene right on the doorstep, you’re unlikely to spend much time indoors. Best spa aparthotel: Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa Location: Christchurch, Dorset Perched on the edge of the River Stour in Christchurch is the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa, which has a set of 12 self-catering apartments designed for groups. It’s all about the views here – the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge area look out over the river and across to the Hengistbury Head nature reserve. To welcome you to Dorset, a hamper of local treats, including a bottle of the award-winning sparkling wine from nearby English Oak vineyard, awaits. Best aparthotel for home cooking: Hyatt House Manchester Location: Manchester Hyatt House Manchester’s 116 studios and one-bedroom suites sit snugly between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The Laureate restaurant and The Graduate bar pay homage to its location but it’s the 18th-floor lounge, with high-flying views of the city, that’s the real star here. Breakfast is included – right now you can order ingredients to cook in your own kitchen or get it ready-made… just like room service. Best aparthotel for city stays: Stay Camden Location: Camden, London Stay Camden is made for workations – downstairs is hip co-working space LABS Collective, while, upstairs, you’ll find 169 apartments ranging from an airy one-bed to a spacious three-bed. Regardless of size, each of the Scandi-inspired apartments offers a fully-kitted kitchen and lounge area as well as a balcony to enjoy the London skyline. Pootle along the towpaths of Regent’s Canal to access the bars and restaurants on Camden High Street. Price: Rates from £270 Book now Read more of our hotel reviews: The best dog-friendly hotels The best affordable London hotels The best cosy UK hotels Read more about UK travel: Explore the Cotswolds, car-free The UK’s best holiday destinations for families Lake District guide: Where to eat, walk and stay Read More The best spa hotels in the UK 2023: Where to go for a relaxing staycation Cheap UK holidays 2023: 10 destinations for a budget staycation World’s best hotels with swimming pools 2023: Where to stay for healing swims, soaks and wildlife spotting The UK’s 10 best quirky hotels 2023: From lighthouses to train stations, make your next stay a unique one Best UK hotels 2023: Where to stay for a luxury or affordable break The best Scotland road trips to travel in your lifetime

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