Selecting the Menu for a Kid's Party

It is very difficult to choose the menu for the party especially if the party is for kids. They do not like eating much and usually attend the party for playing games. So it is advisable to keep the menu as simple as possible because most of the food will be wasted. But it never means that you should ignore this but try to keep the menu as simple as possible. Another thing you must consider while selecting the food is that if teenagers are invited, then you needs to cook extra food for them because mostly boys have an insatiable appetite. So the selection of food also depends on the age group of kids. Kids prefer playing and do not eat much, on the other hand, teenagers eyes are always in the search of food especially teenage boys. Some kids are very choosy when come to eating. You must try to cook food that is loved by majority of the kids. Here are some advices for planning food menu:

Plan before hand:

First you need to look for the timing of the party before deciding the menu. The menu for afternoon time party will be different than the evening time party. You may prepare snacks for the afternoon party but need to prepare different meal if the party is to take place in evening time. Then estimate what quantity of food will be enough for you and for the children. This will give you an idea about the food quantity that you need to prepare. Also take suggestion form your child that what he would like to eat in the party. This will help you in deciding what to cook. Try to provide variety food stuff to the children with 3 to 4 salty dishes and 2 to 3 sweet dishes and include cake in your menu as well. You also need to take care of the children who have allergies with particular ingredient especially nuts. Parents would tell you about this.

Don't leave cooking for the party day. If possible cook most of the food before and use refrigerator to keep it fresh. This way you will get some time to spend with the invited kids.

Selection of food will also depend on the theme of the party. Take idea from your child that what he would like to eat in the party. This would help you in accessing the choices of your kids' friends. If the kids you are inviting are under the age of 7, then it is preferable to prepare finger food because handling plate is a tough job for them.

It is preferable to provide 2 or 3 different variety of drinks for each child. And after that comes the issue of disposable plates and cups. Disposable cups should not be too fragile. Paper cups become damp around the lip area and plastic cups can be compressed too easily. Same considerations are for the disposable plates. It is advisable to write name of the child on their respective plate because they often get confused and forget their plate.

Baking decision:

Baking decision will depend on various factors such as time you got, your cooking talent and the budget. If less time then don't go for cooking. You can always buy from shops and purchasing in bulk will also save some money for you. Buy those products that have long shelf life.

Choosing the place for table and the eating area for kids:

Select some place indoor if outdoor is too wet. No doubt kids needs some place so plan a suitable place for this purpose.

If parents of some of the kids are staying, then you need to prepare at least one dish for adults apart from those for children.

You cannot ignore your family and won't be having enough time and energy after the party to cook something for them. So do prepare something for them in advance & keep it in the refrigerator.