What's the deal with play dates?

[AvocadosAreGood]

My Eldest started school a few weeks ago (so 4 going on 5) and has been invited over friends houses a few times which is lovely and she’s really enjoyed it. We have a newborn in the house and the other parents are really understanding and have said they are not expecting us to host play dates given the likely chaos at home!

Well now I feel we are ready to do so and I have no idea what to do!
Step 1. Invite friend(s) over after school. Probably start with one test child at first.
Step 2. Make sure I have food and snacks in the house with something nice for pudding. I don’t want said child to go home hungry nor do I want them to say my food is crap.
Step 3. What next?

What do children actually do in play dates? Do I have to entertain or leave them to it?

What’s the actual deal here?!

[Caulkheadupnorf]

Find out what the child eats.

Plan some craft or a trip to the park they can do together but let them play also. Try and limit it so they don’t take over then whole house.

[SeaToSki]

Your dc will probably want to show the guest his/her room and toys, Make sure you show the guest where the toilet is. Then they will probably start playing with the toys. Keep a general eye out and redirect if necessary. If they are struggling to come up with ideas of what to do then bring out some bubbles or something low key they can do together. If your dc has a special toy or fuzzy friend that they wouldnt be happy to share, then hide it before the playdate and tell your dc that you are putting it away as it is special and just for him/her, but everything else will need to be shared with the friend.

Oh and double check with the parent before the playdate about food/pet allergies

[TeenTimesTwo]

Maybe start small.
Don't invite for evening tea, just for an hour including after school snack.
Some children I found an hour was more than enough ...

[HashtagTired]

I have this ‘fear’ that the child will go back home and say it was boring or they didn’t like it

[Ridingthegravytrain]

I never had to entertain at that age. Invite over for 2 hrs after school. Feed (I usually do something that is a treat in our household..say pizza and chocolate mousse. So long as kid has no allergies)

They are always entertained by your toys way more than your own children. It will be fine!