Sleepovers

[Acinonyx]

My 5 yr-old sometimes has sleepovers with one friend. I'd like to get some feedback from those who do sleepovers with primary dc on when you prefer dc to arrive for a sleepover - a) after school/mid afternoon b) later but before tea, c) after tea? Which do you think works best and why?

I think it is best to have them before tea. It allows time for a good play and run off some the excitement/hysteria.
Having them for tea allows you time together as a family plus one, so that they get to know everyone in the household a little bit. Sometimes the friends know the Mum but haven't met the dad (or vice versa depending on your child care arrangements) and can feel a little awkward.
The closer to bedtime that they arrive, the more excited they are at bedtime and the longer it will take for them to fall asleep.

Exactly what dexter said, although our DD isn't having any more sleepovers until she is at least 34.
She is such a shitpot the day after, she is tired and miserable and reluctant to have an early night.

The day after is always an issue. I find it actually helps to have the guest stay on a bit as they try to contain themselves while their guest is there.
If budget and circumstances allow a trip to the cinema is also helpful. It is dark and quiet and this seems to calm them after a late night. Otherwise we set up a home cinema with a DVD, pop corn and blankets.
Then it is a bath and earlyish bedtime.
There are usually tears and tantrums though.

Dd tends to sleep late a the best of times so sleepovers usually run to 10 pm. There are no major consequences the next day (usual Sat or Sun).

I'm not keen on such a late night though and would prefer them to play in the afternoon so the whole thing isn't dominated by tea and bed. Friend prefers to send dc late - and before tea is the compromise. I still find this a bit late - dd is mithering all afternoon for friend to come and then they are completely overexcited.

Wondered if I was unreasonable to want dc to play earlier and not just do tea and bed. Apart from the girls, it's less stressful for me too.