decide for me please-time of day for sunday afternoon party for ds..

[brimfull]

can't make up my mind

2hr long

I would say....2-4. Then you've got the day to set up (I presume its at your house), they will have eaten by the time they get to you and you can do a few crisps and sarnies .

yes I'd go with 2 - 4

I was thinking 3-5 but ds would go mad waiting until 3 I reckon,2pm more resasonable I guess.

2-4

I always have dd's parties on a Sunday from 4pm-6pm. That way they eat over a proper mealtime, plus it gives me most of the day to get ready (I work til late on Saturdays)

I agree with island's reasoning, but would go for 3-5 & they eat c. 4:30. That way you get your house back sooner. Also, your DS will have all his new junk toys to play with, so it's hard to send him off to bed too soon after the end of the party (learned the hard way)

I wouldn't got to late if dc's are at school.
I like to get mind bathed and all sorted for school on a Sunday evening.

I would go 2-4.

Sorry to hijack this thread but my DD2's 5th birthday party is booked for December and I was considering 12 till 2 pm! I suppose I'm thinking I can get it all over with early in the day leaving the rest of the day to clear up/sort out presents etc etc.

From the guests' point of view is this far too early then?

ow old will he/guest be?

I would do 2-4 and not bother with food - few crisps and cake. That's what I did for ds1's 4th.

Caro I've been to lunchtime parties and it has worked really well. The bonus is that they are more likely to be hungry so will spend more time eating, thus leaving you with less time to have to entertain them with games. You will probably need to provide more food though.

I think a party at 12 is fine they will be ready for something to eat and you won't have much left over.

I think 11-1 or 12-2 is best. If not then 3-5. I hate it when parties don't cover a mealtime. Or, go with squirrels suggestion and don't try to feed them too much.
2-4 I have to give them lunch at home, try to get DD to have a sleep, wake her early then go to party where they eat sufficient food for them to not want tea at 5ish but are hungry at bedtime.

11-1 - breakfast, lazy morning, go to party, come home where DD will sleep and DS can play. Rest of the day as normal. After DS's party it meant he had all afternoon to open his presents and play with them.

actually i did 2.30-4 for ds1's 4th. Can't think that anyone would expect proper food in that time period.

I would cover a meal time so that they are hungry.

I think it depends on what food you are prepared to serve.

DD1 went to a party once at 12 noon ( I didnt feed her) the eventually served the food at 1:45pm. DD was starved and looked a real ganite!

If it can't be helped I go for a mid afternoon and only put out snack food. If its over a meal time (which I prefer) then I do proper party food!

jeez
haven't logged on all day now am confused

have wriiten invites for 2-4pm so tough

will do party food and include sausages and carrots so could possibly be construed as a meal