Would like to hold a tea party / playdate for DD and 5 - 6 friends at home - any tips? How to make it good and fun?

[Andifnotnow]

I've not done one before but DD is about to leave nursery and I would like to invite a few of her favourite friends to have tea party / play date at our house. I 'm thinking to make it simple and just let them play with each other and her toys, maybe have some crafts or colouring and a picnic in the garden. I'm thinking 2 hours would be enough? Any ideas as to what works and what doesn't.

DD has been to birthday parties which seemed fun but really elaborate, I mean, do I have to get a bouncy castle in for the kids to have a good time and give everyone a party bag when they go or is it ok to have a more low key play time....

I live in a small terraced house so there isn't much room for too many people and we only have a small garden with DD's Wendy house in.

Any ideas? Advice?

Sounds like a lovely idea. My boys love having friends round for a play. Round here if they are 4 a parent tends to stay too but guess that's up to you/the parents to decide on. I reckon 2 hours is ideal. Kids love having a good rake through other people's toys and I'm sure they'll just entertain each other.

Have a craft activity up your sleeve incase there is a lull in proceedings. A picnic sounds like like a great mess-reducing idea. I've also been nown to stick a DVD on after tea if they looking a bit tired.

Keep the coffee and biscuits coming for any adults that stay and hope you all have fun :)

I know it's not a "party" as such, but for DD's third birthday we did a fairy tea party which was lovely. I had set out craft activities before they arrived so everyone made a wand and tiara then decorated pre-made biscuits. We had the birthday tea and a "balloon drop" (a tenner from Asda I think) and they all danced around and played with th balloons for ages. That took up a couple of hours!

Very different to having a gang of three yo boys!