Birthday Party Food Ideas
Birthdays are special moments for all children irrespective of age. A birthday party provides an opportunity for fun and sharing. It also creates some fond memories for the child on this special occasion. If you wish to turn your child’s birthday party into a super party, do a little forward planning. This will help to make it a great success.
First, decide with your child on where to have the party, who should attend and how long would you want it to last. Next, jot down as many birthday party food ideas you can think of. Also, think of whom to approach if help is needed for chores like sending out the invitations and decorating the venue.
One of the most difficult process of planning a party is fixing the menu. Ideas for the menu can be obtained from the list of birthday party food ideas which you jotted down earlier. A good party menu should consists of 6 different savory dishes, 2 to 3 sweet dishes, 1 chilled or frozen dish, a birthday cake and 2 different refreshing drinks like a lemonade and a pineapple cream crush.
Planning a food menu for teens and adults is not the same for toddlers and young children below 12 of age. Nevertheless, all food menu for the party should be interesting, creative and appealing. Below are some tips which I thought may be helpful.
- Birthday party food ideas for very young children – This group of guests appreciate party food that is easy to hold and would not crumble or collapse. For this age group, it is best to avoid nuts and hard sweets, toothpicks and other sharp objects. Use sturdy, plastic cups and plates as they are easier for little hands to grip. Have drinks half filled to avoid spills.
- For toddlers, always serve their favorites with bright new ideas, such as mini-sized burgers, pizzas, spring rolls and meatballs. They tend to “graze”, snatch a bite or two of food between play or activities.
- All kids love colorful and imaginative food. For a strong display, present party food on large platters or trays. Give them surprises with food disguised as boats or bonbons Dressed up ice-cream cones, parfaits and sundaes in their party best to please young eyes and palates too. Keep portions small to suit kid-size appetites.
- Most children love fruits. Take advantage of seasonal fruits to make a summer party fruit salad. Combine chopped fresh fruit in a large bowl. Sprinkle with lemon juice and caster sugar to taste. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours and then serve in a watermelon hollowed out and carved into a basket.