4 year old party - best time of day & how much notice

[migola]

that's it really. Have got away with just family parties up to now but this time she wants nursery friends to come. What would be the best time? 10.30-12.30 so they have their lunch at the party, or 2.30-4.30, 3-5 so they have their (early) tea?

Also, when should I give out invites to nursery friends?

It's never made any difference to mine when the party is. They rarely eat much at them anyway.

I always gave out invites quite early as it gives parents a lot of time to reply, ensures you have chance to chase anyone who hasn't and also means most people can fit it in.

My ds just had his party between 2 and 4 pm. That way, you don't have to give them proper food. Of course, this may not work well if most of your dd's friends have younger siblings who still sleep in the afternoon, unless you do it at the weekend when it's more likely that others are around to look after the babies.

I would give 2 to 3 weeks notice.

thanks
was going to do it on a saturday. One reason I was thinking morning would be better is that it doesn't take up everyone's day...?

will get intives out this week that gives about 3 weeks notice

IME (15 years as a children's entertainer!) earlier in the day is better for the younger ones. Say 11-1pm. There's more chance that they'll eat the party food as it's lunchtime. Your DD won't drive you crazy all day with excitement waiting for her party. Once the party's over she'll have plenty of time to open presents and play while you relax with a glass of wine. Works well if some of the children still nap or the siblings nap.

No time will suit EVERYBODY though!

Like 2old4..I'm also have loads of experience as a children's entertainer and I have to back them up to the hilt.

For younger children the morning slot is definitely the preferable option for a party. Many of my clients have come to this option just because I was already booked for the afternoon and never went back to the afternoon slot since!

If you are hiring an entertainer, 2-4 slot is very difficult as it crosses both morning and afternoon slots in real terms, so 11.30 -1.30 or 3.30-5.30 ( or thereabouts) will be easier times to book. ( That's if you are intending to go down that path).

Children (especially the young ones)really eat well at lunchtime. Give them some pasta and tomato sauce and you will have no leftovers , guaranteed!

Whatever you decide, have a good one!

Agree with those who say morning slot. 10-12 or 11-1. Gets it out of the way so more people are likely to be able to come.

3 weeks sounds right. Be prepared for very few people to respond, even if you give mobile nubers and email addresses. You will have to chase.

I have so far always gone for 10-12am. Means less whining from your children while waiting for their party and will not interfere with anyone except v small babies' nap times. Gets it over with and you then have all day to open the many presents...

Oops sorry i usually try to do invitations 3 or 4 weeks before. Lots seem to only do 2 weeks tho. I always want maximum amount of guests to be able to make it so broadcast date as soon as it's organised.

We went with 4-6 (or the late one) so they ate at tea-time but we did find that our DD pestered all day.

2-4 is middle of day and means that not much else can be done on that day - I'd go for early or late cos then they are at proper meal times and mean that families can still do something before or after

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