3rd birthday party - help please!

[UntamedShrew]

My twin DSs turn 3 next month. We have a new baby in the house so I haven't given their party any thought yet & I'm feeling a very bad mummy for that!

Most of their friends seem to be having parties in soft play centres or hired halls. Given we are getting invites already for May I think I've left it far too late to get something similar sorted. I also kind of think they are only 3, we've got years ahead of them asking for bigger and bigger parties but this year they'll be over the moon with something more small scale.

So, this is what I'm thinking - does it sound ok? And 'enough'? And can you think of any ideas to make it more fun for them?

Our house is small so thought id split it into 2 or 3 little parties.

Day before, invite their nursery friends to join us for lunch in local (kid friendly) Italian restaurant for pizza. We go a lot so I'm sure staff would help me out a bit. I'd make a fire engine cake to have afterwards as dessert. I'd pay for all the kids' food & mums' drinks but hope that mums would chin in if they're eating too - is that fair?

Then on day itself a tea party at ours. Probably space theme, I'd make a rocket cake & other food would be sandwiches, crisps, sausages. Smoked salmon for parents maybe. I'll try to get DH to dress up as astronaut or buzz lightyear & something similar for me.

Can we do without an entertainer?
What is best for a group of 10 3y olds, do we need a bit of a plan to the party (games, tea, games, home) or just a free for all? If games, any ideas beyond pass the parcel?

I usually love all this stuff but I'm feeling so drained & tired, my poor old brain isn't really in planning mode right now. Also they're the first of their friends to turn 3 so no precedent set really and no ideas to nick. I'd be eternally grateful for any inspiration (especially if there are ideas I can do quickly as free time is scarce :) )

Thank you!

Don't bother with an entertainer, at that age they will find it hard to follow direction anyway. For pass the parcel have extra layers, or get mums to spot who has already 'won', for 10 I would do a sweet layer each plus a random prize at end. They all love what's the time mr wolf(alien), I do it just before I serve food. Other than that I would maybe do some craft and some dancing, musical statues etc.

What's the time Mr Alien is inspired, thank you! Musical statues & pass the parcel - does that sound enough?

Sorry posted too soon.. For the craft you suggested I've got a big rocket they can paint & go in. It is left over from Xmas, I've been saving for a rainy day but it fits with theme, I just don't know if one big thing like that is ok or better they each have a little thing to do individually at this age..?
Thanks again.

Bouncy castle/pop up tent?

Pin tail on donkey but use blutack

Another easy filler is when you call out something and they need to do actions e.g. - Spaceman (walk slowly), moon rock (curl in ball), star (star shape), shooting star, rocket, robot, etc. You need to demonstrate all at begining and then call out each thing, and get them to copy you. They will probably quite enjoy just playing too. Craft can be complicated, or as simple as printed sheets and some crayons.

You could see whether you can get some dessicated astronaut food and let them try it (or for cheapo alternative, get cereals like jordans country crisp - or tescos strawberry one, and pick out all the dried fruit) and give them that.

At three I would try not to get too stressed about entertaining them. You find when they arrive they just head for the toy box anyway. I'd let them too! Then after they've had a good, long play, play pass the parcel and musical statues (they get a sticker when they're out) a couple of times, eat the party tea, then put something like Jools holland on and let them have their little hands on a pile of balloons you have had hidden in another room and let them dance away.
Oh and if it's decent weather you can have some pots of bubbles available and let them outside - although a lot of them will spill them within 30 seconds!