The secret to a good play date is to keep it simple. Invite over friends or acquaintances with children of similar sex, age or interests to your children who you also enjoy spending time with. It's that simple. Start with people that you are most comfortable with and then branch out from there. A person you became friendly with at swim class or an acquaintance from work that has children are all good places to start. You know you already have similar things in common and maybe even know their kids.
Don't over plan the date. Just have juice and simple snacks on hand. Allow the kids to come together naturally. Put them in the playroom, head outside or even meet at a playground. Kids will gravitate to each other. If they are younger around 1-2 you might see a lot of parallel play, where they do their own thing together. This is natural and eventually as their social skills develop they will learn to play together. Expect some toy jealousy and be there to provide other options and to encourage sharing. And if it doesn't work out don't get frustrated. You don't like everyone you meet so don't expect the same of your children.
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