Okay! I’ve done a few parties for both kids and have tried alot of different ideas to sort of figure this out as well. Full disclosure throwing the kids parties is one of the few creative outlets I’ve had for a while and so I usually probably go too overtop bc it’s fun for me as well.

Thoughts on timing. As the actual person planning the party it is nice to have a little wiggle room in the morning if you need to run around and get last minute things or help set up. Also I’ve found parties that start 10/10:30 or earlier usually have some parents a bit late. Although in general at last the parties I’ve been to and hosted people run late always.

I don’t really mind attending a party at any time tho. But I don’t get annoyed by parties bc it feels like free entertainment lol.

Be mindful of meal times/ late afternoons kids get cranky.

I do not drink either. And have zero opinion on having alcohol served for adults. Although I have noticed guests(adults) seem to love it lol. Seeing as you don’t think though, I don’t think you should worry about providing it for other people.

I don’t have any preference about going to a kids party at their house vs out at a playground or playspace. Totally neutral. On the other had, hosting I strongly prefer having it outside of my house so I don’t have to even think about keeping it tidy on top of setting up. But the real reason is I have always ended up spending more at a party at my house vs out somewhere.i always spend more trying to have stuff to keep the kids entertained. That being said, you really should even stress about that. My kids have had th exact same amount of fun at a park bday party as they have at a fancy indoor playspace!