We probably would try it if our 2.5 year old is having a good day. She can occasionally miss her nap and be ok. However, we'd be prepared to leave early if she starts to melt down.

As long as she can hold it together at the party itself, then yes. I'd suck up a cranky afternoon/evening for a party she'd enjoy + a potential new mom friend. Now, if I had one of those kids who would lose it 5 minutes after normal nap time, so the party itself would be a disaster? Then, no. We're also not super nap rigid, though. That sounds so stressful.

I would - but only because my younger child (who is 2 1/2) can last until about 5pm without a nap. My older child wouldn't have been able to do it - she NEEDED her afternoon nap.

If she naps in the car, I would maybe leave a little early and drive around so she gets a good 30-45 minute nap in. Hopefully, that should hold her to the end of the party. If she melts down, then you may just have to bail early.