Dd (3) invited to her first party - can someone fill me in on basic etiquette please?

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

Thank you. I realised I don't have a clue.

1. What do little girls wear to parties these days? Special pretty party dress, or just a nice outfit?

1. Obviously we will take a present and card for the birthday girl, but these days does one take something for parents as well?

1. Invite says 12-2, so I assume she will get lunch! But do we drop her off and leave her or hang around ourselves and if so will they feed us as well?

Very grateful for any advice!

You will definitely be expected to stay with your DD. IMO, sibling ok to come along if no other option in which case it's a good idea to let host know just in case.

Not ok, for DH and DS to come along as well unless invited or you know the family very well and happen to know they are v. relaxed about that kind of party. (Even if you bring own food etc.) Think your idea that DH and DS go off and do something for an hour or so is a good one.

Don't take your younger child unless you have had prior (enthusiastic) agreement from host. Most people hate it when siblings turn up too and no one wants to be constantly saying 'mind the little one' to a bunch of 3 year olds trying to party!

Emergency fine, but 'because husband is shy' doesn't cut it IMO

Oh there's no danger of dh pulling the learned incompetence trick in our family. I work away from home and dds are at nursery at his workplace and he's the one who drives, so he already gets to be accountable for practically everything.

Mulanmum - will do

Ah, Kathy - that does put different complexion on things. So, in fact, you are the one who is possibly less in the associating-names-&-faces camp than dh is - now I understand the infinite curiosity about dd's social life!

Re what Mulanmum said, I meant ages ago to answer your "do I take something for the parents" with Yes, take empathy (ie for hosts' stress - however calm & jolly they appear they will be fizzing with anxiety)

My DH has abdicated responsibility for parties completely so I can empathise with Bink's point.

Kathy - definitely send DH and DS off and get them to come back for you - but FGS make sure DH leaves his 'phone on so that you can get him back urgently if the party looks like breaking up early.