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Parties/celebrations

Whether you're planning a birthday or a hen do, you'll find plenty of ideas for your celebration on our Party forum.

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Original poster

What's the best time of day for a party for 2.5/3 year olds?

15 replies

PiperG · 09/03/2009 19:50

I can't decide on 3-5ish or more like 4-6(not much between them, I know, but am feeling horribly indecisive). The later one means you're effectively giving them proper tea, at 5 ish, but it seems a bit late in the day, for tired toddlers, finishing a party at 6. Any thoughts?

OP posts:

techpep · 09/03/2009 19:52

I would always go for a 11-1ish party for that age group, so between the two options i'd say 3-5.

jelliebelly · 09/03/2009 19:54

Personally I think both are too late in the day for this age group - can you go for a morning slot? - we had ds party for this age group at 10.30 to 12.30.

Tommy · 09/03/2009 19:55

I'd go for much earlier in the day too. 11-1 or 12-2. Still do that for my 6 and y year old actually.

LoveMyGirls · 09/03/2009 19:55

3 til 5pm

11-1 is when a lot of children that age are napping tbh (my dd2 was 3 before she gave up her nap and without it she was hell by 4pm)

MrsMattie · 09/03/2009 19:56

Morning.

We did DS's 4th birthday from 11am-1pm. Then the kid's (and parents!) aren't tired and frazzled and the birthday 'tea' is actually their lunch and everyone is happy

nickytwotimes · 09/03/2009 19:57

I'd say morning as a lot of them still have naps aftern lunch. Lucky buggers.

used2bthin · 09/03/2009 19:59

I love it when parties are 3-5 because DD (2.6) still naps after lunch. Morning slot could work too, never been to one so early though.

smellen · 09/03/2009 20:00

Morning ones are great, especially if you finish with a picnic lunch around 11.30-12. Then everyone can go home and not have to cook lunch Kids are fresher in the morning, so fewer tantrums etc.

Lizzylou · 09/03/2009 20:01

We just had a 11-1pm joint party for my 5 and 3 year old DS's. Was fine.

Original poster

PiperG · 09/03/2009 20:02

ooh how interesting, I had not even considered a morning party. Great idea. Thanks!

OP posts:

CMOTDibbler · 09/03/2009 20:03

DS has just been to a 3-5.30 party and it was great - he had tea, and had a nap before.

11-1 would be a nightmare for him as he is ready for lunch at 11.30, and for a nap at 12

noonki · 09/03/2009 20:09

3-5pm definately better

as mine both sleep over lunch

Original poster

PiperG · 09/03/2009 20:24

Yes I admit I have never been to a morning party either - I do like the idea of it but afternoon just seems more fitting: tea and cake just does not seem right at one o'clock ...!

OP posts:

compo · 09/03/2009 20:26

I prefer morning parties as it gets it over wiht

Lizzylou · 09/03/2009 21:39

I am sooo with you Compo

Although DS2 (3) hasn't had a proper daytime nap (unless in the car) for ages, at least 18mths

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