DS1 his first party was at 3 we hired a community house and had all mothers group friends and a few other friends who had kids, was all child focused with a small outdoor play area was really nice but I didn't get to chat much as had so much to do.

His 4th party we invited same as 3rd it was at a play centre and it was awful was loud and busy and to hard to find all the kids at food time as so many others there and other partys so lots of parents and kids.

His 5th was at a scout hall and we only invited his friends of same age and no others. We did not invite any family to it, was lots of work setting up etc and food but we had someone come in who plays all sorts of games, tug of war, hurdles, running faces, parrachute games, ball games etc was lots of fun and well worth it.

DS2 first party was 3 and he had it at gymnatsics place we go to and we invited mothers group kids his age and his brothers age was great so easy nothing for me to do but turn up with cake!! All friend and family loved it, was nice to be only party and all the space also ment was not crazy loud.

DS2 4th party was at same as his 3rd at his request and no amount of talking would change his mind!! We had mothers group friends and then 10 from his CC that he picked (and i checked with staff that he was friends with them) It again was awesome kids loved it and parents loved it