What time for 3 yr olds party?

[bobblehead]

I'm planning a small party for dd1 in a few weeks when she turns 3. Most of her friends still nap in the afternoon, so it has to be morning, but I'm not sure what time. Early would probably suit my girls better (dd2 naps around 11/12 but can last longer) but I'd prefer later to get organised

Does 11-1 with lots of party snacks for lunch seem ok? Opinions/ suggestions wanted!

Def span a meal time.

11-1 sounds fine, or 10:30-12:30

I did 2.30pm - 4pm and found it good that we didn't have to include a meal. We did nibbles in a big tray with different things in different sections eg. raisins, wotsits, cheese cubes, mini sausages, .... etc.

Later I served an ice cream and they choose from a range of sprinkly toppings.

DD was 3.

I tend to go for later in the afternoon and allow for a nap earlier on - so 3.30-5.30 and include a party tea.

Would do the same as bozza. A 1pm end would be tricky for those whose kids nap but have a longer journey - unless they are all local.

It depends if any of the children coming have older siblings?..if they do and you want to keep the party to younger children a termtime weekday morning would be better. We had a 11:00 - 1:00 party for our daughter who was 3 recently and it worked very well - the children had a play, the party lunch then more play. It was a rush to get the sandwiches & other food made but otherwise worked out very well. I think 3:30 to 5:30 would be ok too - would give you longer to get ready but maybe the children who no longer nap would be getting tired.

I did 3-5 for my dd's 3rd birthday party. Worked really well.

Decorated biscuits
Played pass the parcel
Had party tea
Went outside and did sparklers (with parents) (it was November).

Thanks everyone

Seems pretty much anything goes then!

Dd1 does not nap and is generally a total wreck by 4pm so morning definately better for us. Think I will try 11-1 and lay on sandwiches, etc and hope the sugar keeps them awake long enough to get home