HOW TO PLAN THE FOOD SERVED AT YOUR CHILD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

TAKE TIME TO PLAN THE FOOD

Kids' birthday parties are special opportunities to lavish attention on the little ones we love. That doesn't mean we have to break the bank in the process, though. Birthday party tabs can quickly rise as we tack on pricey venues, entertainers, goodie bags, custom cakes and party food. But in reality, most kids are pleased with the simple things, especially when it comes to the birthday menu.

Trimming the food budget is one of the easiest ways to cut the cost of hosting a kid's birthday party. Start by finding out how many guests and type of guests. The birthday boy or girl probably won't request for anything his/her friends are not familiar with.

Limiting the guest list to a handful of close friends and family is another way to save money. A shorter guest list also guarantees that there will be plenty of snacks to go around. And if you're planning to serve food aside from cake and ice cream, ask parents about any food allergies. Food should add an element of fun, not stress, to the birthday party.

On the surface, planning a child's birthday party food menu seems like an easy task, but as many parents and experts will tell you, choosing the right food can get tricky. This is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks on your party "to do" list.

There are four important main things to consider when creating your child's birthday party menu.

• Factor in dietary restrictions and food allergies.
• Keep the menu as healthy as possible.
• Prepare food that doesn't stain clothing.
• Write up a detailed schedule beforehand, so you know what you can make ahead of time and how long everything will take.

Ask your nanny, family or friends to help with the prep work, so you aren't stuck in the kitchen during the entire party.

Is the cake ok?

When families start planning a child’s birthday party, settling on a cake design is often one of the first decisions made. How beautiful is the cake, the shape, size, design, texture etc. Knowing fully well that cake is the center-piece of any child’s party.

Don’t forget about the other party food, though. Little bellies need more than just sugar. Whether you’re going to serve a full meal or just small bites, it’s important to plan a balanced menu.

Timing is Everything

Start the party at a time that matches your menu. Don’t, for instance, expect guests to arrive at 5 p.m. and eat only peanuts and cake. A dessert-and-snacks party is perfectly acceptable, but hold it at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. instead--not at a time when attendees should expect a full meal.

Consider the Age Group

Older kids can eat just about anything-- rice, chops, ice cream, pop-corn, whatever. Serving those foods to toddlers doesn’t work, though. You’ll need to cut and arrange anything you plan to offer into small pieces. And be careful about feeding them anything too hard or crunchy, like carrots, or other foods that can cause choking in young children.

Serve Kid-Friendly Food

“Kid friendly” doesn’t mean you must serve heavy meals. Put out foods that are easy to eat and have broad appeal.

Need some ideas? Call Meggie and Angels to help you plan.

Match the Theme

If you can, choose foods that fit the birthday party theme. Serve small chops, snacks, and/or hot dogs. Or serve small, crust-less tea sandwiches for a teddy bear tea party.

Watch the Sugar

Birthdays are a time to indulge a bit so don't worry too much about giving your kids some cake and ice cream, but avoid an all-out sugar fest. At some parties, frosted cookies await the guests as they arrive, there’s cake, and then everyone goes home with a goody bag full of candy. Kids’s eyes might light up when they see the sweet feast, but they’ll leave with a bellyache and might end up turning into a behavior problem once they get home. Moderation is the key.

BE ALERT TO ALLERGIES

Ask parents ahead of time whether their children have any food allergies or intolerance, and plan your menu accordingly. Take special precautions as you prepare the food, such as carefully cleaning knives and cutting boards to avoid cross contamination and setting out cups labeled with the kids' names so a child who's allergic to apples, for instance, doesn't take a sip of another kid's apple juice. Take allergies very seriously, since for some kids eating the wrong thing can turn into a life or death situation.

If planning and preparing food is fun for you, awesome! Have fun coming up with a clever and tasty menu. But if being in the kitchen makes you break out in hives, don't sweat it, just allow Meggie and Angels sort things out and focus on making sure your friends are well taken care of and enjoy the day yourself as the celebrant’s parent.