Is there anything more stressful than planning your child’s birthday? Especially where food is concerned, you have a lot to think about, above and beyond the themed birthday cake your child will encourage you to make!
And with other parents and children coming to the party too, the need to try to please everybody is difficult and could be more stressful than when you’re dinner party hosting for your friends and family. Still, this is where we come in. Here are a few party food do’s and don’ts to ensure this part of your child’s birthday goes by without a hitch.
Don’t forget to ask about food requirements
Before you decide on your party menu, check with the parents of the children on your guest list, and find out about their food requirements. You can safely ignore the needs of fussy eaters if you want – you will run yourself ragged trying to suit the whims of every child – but you will need to find out about allergies and intolerances. Include a note with the invites you send out, and ask parents to tell you what you need to know when they rsvp.
Do try to be creative
Many parents opt for traditional sandwiches, cupcakes, ice creams, and jellies when preparing the food for a party. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, there is no harm in trying to be different. You could try this recipe for a delicious homemade pizza, for example, or you could present the children with a variety of toppings for which to make their own. They could make their own tacos too using fillings you have prepared beforehand, and if you do opt for sandwiches, you could carve them into themed shapes. And when it comes to desserts, you could treat the kids with a chocolate fountain and a variety of fruits (despite the expected mess), or you could make something like these fabulous apple dipper sticks which should go down a treat.
Don’t forget to feed the parents
Don’t let the parents go hungry if they are staying to help you at the party. Prepare something in advance for them away from the fingers of your younger party guests. You can still serve up similar foods to those you are giving to the children, but you can add your own twist, perhaps with a few added veggies (those foods the kids won’t eat), and with an alcoholic tinge to your desserts.
Do ask parents to bring food with them
Every little helps, especially when it comes to food. If other parents could bring a dish of cakes or sandwiches each (or something a little more creative), it would certainly reduce the time you would have to spend in the kitchen. And especially when you have a food-intolerant or fussy child coming to your party, it would make your life a lot easier if the parent could prepare the food that their child is okay to eat.
Don’t overload the children with sugar
The last thing you need is 10-15 children running around your home in a hyperactive state! Go easy on the sugar, even in the cakes you make. And if you’re playing party games, ensure you give away non-sweet prizes, especially if the children have had a lot of sweet foods to eat during the party. Both you and your house will be glad about this decision!
Thanks for reading, and enjoy the party!