11am-1pm for 3yo dd's party?

[mezzer]

I am over-analysing each and every decision about my dd's 3rd b-day party. What time should it be at? 11am-1pm? Or, 2-4pm? What time do most people do parties for that age group? DD doesn't nap but I think some of her littler frineds do and nursery does nap time at about 12:30 so that's why I thought 11-1 but would 2 be better? but, then for those that don't nap, later in the afternoon can start to get hairy. And, can I do mini-pizzas and sandwiches for lunch or do I need something more "hot-meal"ish?

Why am I panicking about this? Does it really matter if it's 11 or 2?

I think 11-1 is a good time - they will actually eat as is over a meal time, and not too tired at the end of the day. sandwiches and pizza fine for food - maybe add baby toms, cheese cubes, cucumber perhaps.

you may well have parents staying at that age - good to stick another couple of large pizzas in the oven for parents to munch on too.

no it doesn't really matter! Do what suits you best, parents will stay and eat the chidlrens food because childrne will be too busy haring around screaming.

Thanks, PandaG. Deep breaths, I must remind myself that this is not a big deal, really. And, yes, I will have to remember to feed the parents too. Thanks for that!

agree with pandag - I always do parties over a meal time so they are actually hungry.

By 3, even id they still have a nap, they can go without and it won't hurt!

One more question... is it completely weird to say "no presents, please" on the invitation? I don't really think they are necessary and would rather not have 8 more toys in the house, to be honest, as dd already has enough new random toys since xmas was just a couple weeks ago. am I being mean?

you can say it - doesn't mean people will listen - mopst people don't like to turn up to a party empty handed.

Kew, you're probably right. So, maybe shouldn't say it? Or, ok to say it to give people an out if they don't have money/time/energy to get a present?

Personally if I felt strongly about it I would say "DD really has enough toys so don't feel the need to bring a present, your company to have fun on her birthday will be more than enough"