Simple Fun Kid Parties
Kid Themed Birthday, Classroom and Fun Parties
Creative kid-
Ki
Sponsored Links
Site Search
Visit our blog
123RF.com Stock Photos Used
Party Food
What to Serve?
Party food can range from the standard fare of cake and ice cream to finger foods to a meal. Planning when your party is helps to select the kinds of food needed. If you select an afternoon party you can probably get away with just cake and ice cream and possibly a few snack items. If you plan a party for around meal times, be sure to include whether or not you will be serving food. Most people will tend to assume you are serving a meal if it falls around a specific meal time.
Check with guests for any food allergies when sending out invitations. Most people when they or their children have severe allergies will usually ask about the menu or will decline for that reason. However, don’t count on everyone remembering to tell you. I have had kids tell me while I am serving something that they can’t eat that (or just don’t want eat it) so I am scrambling to find other means in which to feed them. Always have some kind of alternative plan or items on hand for that. Avoid certain foods, like nuts, if you are not sure.
Portion control:
Also, when inviting guests keep in mind the number of people you will be inviting. Try to plan your food supplies to accommodate that many people. Pay close attention to servings per container and serving sizes. Remember to open only what you need at the party so you can have the option of returning unused, unopened portions of food or supplies.
Many bakeries will give you a rough estimate of how much cake it will serve. But in my experiences, those pieces of cake tend to be HUGE. So consider the age of guests also. If you have ten kids coming consider the size pieces you would make for a three year old vs a fifteen year old.
Cake alternatives:
For the finicky eaters or looking for new and different outside the birthday box ideas, try some of these:
- Ice Cream Sundaes
- Decorate your own cookies
- Brownie or cookie sundaes
- A fruit pie with ice cream
- A Fruit Pizza
Themed parties and food:
If your party has a theme consider the kinds of food, snack or meal, that you would
serve with that theme. A cowboy party you might consider chili or chili dogs. In
keeping with the theme, you might consider cowboy-
Finger Foods and Snacks:
Finger foods and snacks can be basically anything that you have time for. Don’t feel like you have to be Martha Steward and have cutesy items unless you have the time and inclination to do those things. The kids are truly mostly just happy with food. If you like doing fun food, have at it. There are lots of clever recipes to have fun with. You decide, it’s your party. Don’t feel pressure to keep up with the neighbors, throw a fun party. The food is just an extra.
Keep in mind the age of your guests. If you have guest younger than 3 be sure to
select foods that are age-
Snacks-
Popcorn (not for the preschool set)
Chips
Pretzels
Trail mix
Fruit (grapes, raisins, dried fruits make good party fruit)
Cookies
Cheese and crackers
See Links below for Party Food recipes
Dinner or Lunch Ideas:
Any of the following can be made or brought in from local restaurants. If you are looking for time savers, pick something that can be frozen or bring it in. If you are looking for cost savers, make it yourself.
Taco Bar
Pizza
Spaghetti or Spaghetti Pie
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Hot Dogs and chips
Hamburgers
Baked Ziti or other pasta menu dishes
Breakfast for dinner
Fondue
Nachos
Chili/Chili Dogs
Hoagies/Subs (make or bring in)
Make your own pizzas
When to buy:
Please check out Party Planning Checklist for timing of food purchases. For the non perishable items, you can start a few weeks ahead of the party to begin your preparations. Some people like to spread out the overall cost and buy a little at a time. Other people prefer to purchase their items all in one trip. Personal choice, you decide. However, don’t wait until the day before, if you can help it, so make sure you have all the necessary items and not have to rush out just before the party. (Stress!)
Links to get you started:
Birthday Party Ideas-
Better Homes and Garden Appetizer Recipes
Article-
Sponsored Links:
©2008-
All Rights Reserved.
