https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 02:33:52 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847573 Thu, 27 Sep 2018 07:08:43 +0000 SweetiePie 2847573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All of the AM parties I’ve been to (at that exact time) have bagels and spreads, coffee, juice/mimosas, for adults, plus fruit tray. I did mini muffins too and they were big hit. But we’re in NYC, bagels are a food group here 😜<br /> They’ve also all served pizza at the end since 11:30 is right around lunch time.<br /> I think having some pouches/yogurt and bags of goldfish or pretzels is also fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847521 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:31:06 +0000 Foodnerd81 2847521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: you have to have the pizza place double cut! They slice them all in half and it’s perfect for the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847504 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:05:13 +0000 Mama Bird 2847504@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any kind of finger foods work well. Cheese, fruit, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, cherry tomatoes... And I definitely wouldn't put out plates with food on them, because I never know who will eat what. The parents (or the kids) can figure that one out.</p> <p>A lot of parties I've been to serve pizza, but usually they'll do giant slices and the kids will either leave half the slice, or miss the whole party because they won't get up till they've demolished the whole thing :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847422 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 12:39:19 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: haha me too! I missed my turn and had to settle for Wendy’s though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847419 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:34:51 +0000 Anagram 2847419@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Now I'm craving Chik Fil A nuggets. =( =( I don't think there are any Chik fil As in my area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847418 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:34:03 +0000 Pollywog 2847418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: how I normally do it is handing out the goody bags. If you have a set end time then people will start leaving at that time. They'll be having their sugar meltdown :-).</p> <p>If there's stragglers then I would say, "hey, we have to clean up to return the rental equipment,"</p> <p>And I agree about veggies. And assume one cupcake person at that hour. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847416 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:31:15 +0000 Anagram 2847416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I can't remember what time of day you said your party was, but I recently had at-home parties for each of our girls. We did it in late afternoon, so I did serve dinner, but the *most popular* thing was the cheese and fruit tray. I picked up a big one from Sam's Club for like $18 and it had 2 kinds of cubed cheese and strawberries and grapes, and ALL of the fruit was gone and most of the cheese was gone at the end of the party. The grapes and strawberries were basically gone immediately, so in hindsight I should have just bought grapes and strawberries separately and had a plate of just those. My nanny was there and was worried about the grapes so after the party started, she sat and cut all the grapes in half length wise...so that might be the only prep you'd want to do.</p> <p>But if you are hosting a mid afternoon party and are truly doing just snacks, then I think popular fruits (blueberries, grapes, strawberries) and cubed or small slices of cheese with crackers is the way to go.</p> <p>If it's late afternoon and some parents might be making a dinner out of your snacks, then I would include the chick-fil-A nugget platter you mentioned before, because I think I lot of kids would be thrilled with a dinner of nuggets, fruit, and cheese. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847412 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 11:01:12 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2847412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also say that you should try not to be scheduled with times for things. People will not do what you want haha we basically just have things out, including food and activities from the moment guests arrive and they can just mingle, eat, play, etc. About an hour in, we blow out candles and sing happy birthday and then might open some gifts (not sure if you’re into that) but people come and go and we don’t organize anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847411 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:58:03 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2847411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jape14: this is exactly what we serve regardless of time as well. I buy the sandwich platter from Costco and people go nuts for it. Plus they keep in the fridge well for a day or two so we are good for lunches after. I never worry about leftovers and haven’t ever had an issue with that. You can always send some home with party stragglers or family if you’re concerned. I would rather have more food than cranky hungry kids and adults thinking why didn’t they serve something more substantial?! I would be annoyed if I went to a party before lunch and then had to figure out lunch as soon as I got home. </p> <p>If you go with cheese and crackers plus veg and fruit, I still consider that substantial enough for lunch for myself and my kid so I would also be fine with that. Every party I’ve been to people graze and snack and whatever. Definitely make your own veggie tray, and even fruit tray: broccoli and cauliflower never get eaten, same with all the melon and I personally hate having that leftover. Cucumber, baby carrots, peppers, celery or tomato (with a dish cut up for the kids separate) with a thing of dip, plus berries and grapes for the fruit (also separate dish cut up for kids of grapes). We add tortilla chips and homemade layer dip too. . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847409 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:36:20 +0000 gestalt 2847409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @jape14: about the veggies. Seriously, have a really small veggie tray (i'll make my own with just carrots sticks, cucumbers, peppers and cherry tomatoes) or don't even bother. Kids love fruit, cheese and cracker trays. </p> <p>When my kids were 3-4, they were having lunch at around 11:30 so i appreciate parties that offer a little more than just grazing snacks, even if the party ends just before lunch. Especially if it's before cake.</p> <p>We had a party that ended just at 11:30. We couldn't get pizzas any earlier than 11am, so in addition to fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers, we did chicken nuggets for kids and deli sandwiches from a local bakery for the adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847408 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:27:38 +0000 LBee 2847408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have thrown multiple 10 AM birthday parties at home (at least 4). We will be hosting another one in a couple of weeks. I tend to find that things like cheese trays and veggie trays aren't that popular. We usually have food set out and people just graze. The food that is most popular is the stuff that can be picked up when walking by the table easily (chips / salsa, CFA nuggets, bacon strips). The stuff we always have leftover seems to be the stuff that has to be served on a plate and sat down to eat. </p> <p>We are having a 10 AM party next month and will be serving:<br /> Fruit<br /> French toast casserole (happily anticipating 1/2 the casserole to be leftover - luckily this is my favorite meal!)<br /> Chicken biscuit minis (assumed 2-3 per person)<br /> Mimosas<br /> Birthday cake </p> <p>My husband may convince me to do bacon again, not sure. It was SUCH a hit last time, but bacon for a large group can get pricey! </p> <p>In the past I've done lots of pinterest-y stuff and it just isn't worth the time. Also, after lots of experience buy a size down from the cake then what is specified. We always have an insane amount of cake left over.</p> <p>My son will happily eat lunch at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM (he's 4) - I wouldn't really care if the nuggets ended up being a meal substitute (and he would be delighted). I would, however, be annoyed if he went to town on a bunch of crackers and refused lunch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847404 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:22:22 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jape14: that’s more like my original menu. Would you consider that snack food? Like how many CFA nuggets per person before it becomes a meal substitute. My goal is less time chewing and more time playing.</p> <p>@looch: that’s what I figured too that parents could grab a snack for the ride home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847392 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 10:01:27 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: I didn’t even think about the kids getting up from the table while they ate. I am so used to being LO’s go-for. Pizza seems a little more like lunch than a snack.</p> <p>@Pollywog: that’s an interesting idea. The craft activity is at the start of the party and the kids would already be seated. How would I signal the party is over at 11:30 without cake to end it. I’m requesting no gifts so there won’t be any gift opening. The rest of the party is open play. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847389 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:51:12 +0000 jape14 2847389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's what I do for most of the kid parties I throw. I try to have stuff for adults too, so I try to just do some kid-focused and some things that everyone likes, rather than making an adult thing "kid-friendly." People serve themselves/their kids and I've never had a problem (and this is the norm at like 95% of the home birthday parties we attend).</p> <p>- one more filling item (CFA nuggets, mini sandwiches - I get a tray from whole foods, or CFA chicken minis/ham rolls from a local place)<br /> - fruit (usually a large bowl with already cut up fruit, kid friendly things like berries, grapes cut up, and watermelon. other melons are always left behind so I don't bother.)<br /> - cheese + crackers (we usually do pimento cheese + crackers but sliced cheese like cheddar and muenster is good too)<br /> - chips &amp; salsa/hummus/guac (I usually do two options)<br /> - kid friendly snacky things (pirates booty or veggie straws)<br /> - occasionally another sweet like cookies, mini brownies, etc. </p> <p>I don't do individual packaged anything bc kids will take a few and waste. I get the big costco bags, put out some to start, and then refill as needed. I also try to get things we like and can easily use the leftovers of without wasting or things going bad. </p> <p>Also, in my experience, the veggies are always leftover, even with adults, and get WAY less cake than you think you need.</p> <p>ETA: these parties are usually either at 10am or 3pm. same general menu. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847388 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:45:38 +0000 cyntist 2847388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme for my son’s first birthday, so the food was trays of what the caterpillar ate. I liked it because it gave me an automatic, easy menu; the parents liked it because most of the food was healthy; and the kids ate it! One of the two-year-olds ate the entire plate of pickles :shocked: If I’d thought of it, I’d have provided containers so they could take some home if they wanted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847384 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:23:31 +0000 looch 2847384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If I saw an invite from that time, I would make sure my son had breakfast and then I would give him lunch afterwards, so I honestly wouldn't let him graze on snacks, but that's just me.</p> <p>If I were serving snacks, I really like the idea of the bar with the individual servings. This way, guests can decide, there is food there or they take it home.</p> <p>I will admit, cake at that time is a little annoying, because it does bump right up against lunch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847382 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 09:01:59 +0000 Mrsbells 2847382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I think if you want to spend more time playing versus eating that doing one main thing to eat like pizza will achieve that better than snacks which they might keep coming back to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847374 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:38:37 +0000 Madison43 2847374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids love cheese and fruit trays. Throw in some punches and squeezable yogurt and I think that’s perfect. I would not expect you to serve lunch for your time slot, but would put “snacks and cake” just to be super duper clear.</p> <p>Eta: pouches, not punches :wink: autocorrect! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847369 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:13:36 +0000 Pollywog 2847369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been to maybe 20 3 year old parties. Almost all were similar where there were a few bowls of fruit/cheese/crackers out and normally most people come in,make a plate, and eat while they wait for everyone to arrive. I prefer a cheese tray over prepackaged snacks and pizza.</p> <p>I think it's great you're making it clear on the invite that it's just snacks. We went to a birthday from 330-530 and totally misunderstood that it was snack only. Kiddo got full on sugar without any substance (they had cheese and fruit, just not a meal). The sugar crash was bad and he was too full of cake to eat dinner. Given that you have similar timing (right before a meal and nap), I might serve cake early so they can burn it off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847359 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:52:11 +0000 Foodnerd81 2847359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh and i did individual fruit cups at my daughters party hoping people would eat more. I don’t know if people did eat more or not but my kids loved having the leftover cups for the next couple of days. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847358 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:51:07 +0000 Foodnerd81 2847358@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @Adira: My kids would definitely love a cheese tray- even my younger one who won’t eat cheese would happily eat the crackers and fruit anyway. Just pointing out where it is and saying help yourself is plenty. In my experience parents always make the plate for their own kids in that situation, though expect a couple of kids to try and help themselves when their parents aren’t looking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847357 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:48:35 +0000 BadgerMom 2847357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did pizza and snacks and had soooooo much food leftover. I think your idea of individually wrapped snacks is great! Goldfish? Veggie Straws? Applesauce pouches? Pirate Booty? Whatever things your LO will eat after the party. And in my area (Wisconsin) it’s not a party without a cheese tray lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847356 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:46:49 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: mostly 3 year olds, some 4 year olds. Your response sounds easy!! Yay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847355 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:35:27 +0000 Adira 2847355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How old are these kids?</p> <p>My kids (3 and 5) love cheese trays! My oldest can't have cheese, but he loves crackers and pepperoni and would eat fruits and veggies. And my youngest will eat it all (minus the veggies).</p> <p>I'd suggest just having the cheese tray out when people arrive and just let them know about it "There's snacks over here, please help yourself!" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-food-at-home-kiddie-parties#post-2847354 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 06:18:15 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2847354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>On one of my early bday party planning threads someone mentioned I should be prepared for a lot of leftovers. That’s been haunting me. :silly: </p> <p>I’m back to the drawing board a little on what to serve, when, and how. In doing some more research I found that toddler parties should last about 1.5 hours and invites should include an end time. (10- 11:30 am) I also put a line on the invite “thrills and cake.” I want the kids to spend most of their time playing vs eating.</p> <p>With that being said...</p> <p>Is a kid friendly cheese tray a suitable munchie? This would include cheese, crackers, fruits, dried fruits, veggies, and maybe some deli meats. I found some great ideas on Pinterest. Cheese trays are help yourself affairs though. Would parents that may not know each other like that? When would people eat the cheese tray? As the kid tells mom/dad he’s hungry or when I ask everyone to come inside for cake around 11:20 am? Maybe prompt the parents to make a snack plate for their kids while I call in the kids.</p> <p>The other idea is just to have a pouch/ bag bar. Pouches of yogurt, apple sauce and snack bags of Goldfish, SunChips. I’m sure you all could help me come up with another portable snack option for kids. Would I still have fresh fruit as an option, maybe in individual cups? Would parents have their kids eat out of bags instead of emptying the contents on a plate? </p> <p>I guess I don’t want to be the one making 10 small plates for the toddlers, but if I don’t does that mean most food will go to waste? </p> <p>If you were serving SNACKS what’s your BARE BONES menu? For my LO a small snack is cottage cheese and mandarin oranges or bigger snack 6-7 crackers, string cheese, and berries. </p>