Party planning

[GlitterSparkle85]

Hi All
I'm planning a party for my daughters 5th birthday.
We want to invite the whole class and planning on a hall disco bouncy castle
Just wanted your opinions on dates times
Sun 1-3pm
What food ideas have worked we dont eat pork so no Ham sarnies-alternatives please
And did you do party food yourself or party food to order from supermarkets?
Will do a food table for adults too there will be an open bar for drinks if they wish.any ideas welcome Thank you xx

[Namechangeforthiscancershit]

I wouldn't have booze at that tome in combo with a bouncy castle! Is that what you mean by an open bar?

[GlitterSparkle85]

No the venue already has a bar which they will open if drinks whish to be purchased was a bit dubious about that too so haven't yet booked the venue!

[thewinkingprawn]

I wouldn’t bother with adult food or booze table - adults don’t expect to eat but I do usually say help yourself to leftovers and have tea and coffee for them. Rest sounds fine - if you don’t pork then do the standard cheese, jam etc sandwiches, crisps, cakes and veg sticks. Timing is tricky for food - i’d Have probably fed a 5 year old by 1 and ideally you want an hour play followed by party tea followed by last play. Can you make it earlier or later?

[thewinkingprawn]

Just tell the venue you don’t need the bar... a village hall is usually best if you can

[GlitterSparkle85]

I dont know if I can change to have an open bar or not as I think it's the venues way of making money as you can bring your own so dont think il mention it to people is that rude lol?
Yes can change times

[GlitterSparkle85]

Thank you all for your responses!

[Namechangeforthiscancershit]

I think changing times would be ideal but otherwise it's more snacks than a meal.

I'm a big fan of Party Rings and cheese and pineapple hedgehogs and I am WAY too old to eat either! Doesn't stop me...

[GlitterSparkle85]

@Namechangeforthiscancershit
What time do you think would be best as didn't want to give a full meal just snack items.
Omg me too love pineapple hedgehogs!

[CocoLoco87]

2-4 will mean too late for lunch, too early for tea. Perfect snack time!

[Namechangeforthiscancershit]

I need a restraining order if there's a cheese and pineapple hedgehog

I agree 2-4 is perfect. Then you'll avoid anyone accidentally thinking you're providing lunch and you do snacky food, which takes the pressure off a lot.

I wouldn't buy it in unless you're really short of time as sandwiches and stuff on platters dry out really fast. How much help will you have on the day?

[GlitterSparkle85]

Ok settled 2-4 for now only hubby and possibly MIL or mum so not much really so would be up night before prepping

[Pipandmum]

Forget about the bar. No parent is going to drink and drive their kids. Parents won’t expect any food either though if possible some sort of refreshment like coffee/tea would be nice. Not all parents will stay - in fact most parents will scarper in my experience so if it’s alot of kids ask if a few you are close to wouldn’t mind staying to help keep an eye on things.
Do your own sandwiches - cucumber, cheese, tuna, chicken. Crisps and cut up veggies. And I hate being given a piece of cake to take home - just means crumbs in the car or forgotten and squished - serve it at the venue.

[GlitterSparkle85]

The bar is with the venue for parents/carers to buy soft drinks tea coffee for themselves if they wish.

[SnowsInWater]

God I'm glad I'm not friends with many of the people here, kids parties I have hosted/attended (and I have three kids) would regularly offer parents a glass of wine/fizz and nibbles at that time of the day, as well as soft drinks of course for people who would prefer not. Not everyone will be driving. Contrary to what others have said I would also provide some adult food if you can, if you are making it a whole class party for a 5yo then it would be really nice for parents to have a chance to socialise at the same time if you have space. The only thing I would say is to be clear whether or not you expect people to stay and supervise their kids or whether they can leave in which case you need to make sure you have enough friendly helpers left. My son was once found locked In the toilet hysterical at a party when I came to collect as is was a "drop and run" and nobody had noticed he was missing!

[GlitterSparkle85]

@SnowsInWater Thank you for your reply thank you I thought it would be a nice touch as I've been to kids parties where parents are sitting there bored out if their minds and not even "allowed" a drink!was thinking to take phone numbers of parents to drop and run?that sounds awful poor thing!not sure how I'd word it about staying?place is big enough to have about 500 ppl there so was hoping the more the merrier!