Aster,
To date we have had much fun at the parties and enjoy them a lot.
The double dates (play dates) we have been on have been quite fun as well. I do like the intimacy that comes with the play dates, but at the same time there is more variety at the parties...
At this point we will keep the parties up and leave the play dates for those whom we 'click' with at the parties for some in between party fun.