Talk

I think everyone will definitely expect lunch to be provided.

I think a light lunch at 12pm would be ideal (a few sandwiches, crisps, chopped veg/fruit and a piece of birthday cake would be adequate).
Whatever you decide, I think you need to make it clear on the invitation if lunch will be served so parents can plan accordingly and there's no confusion.

There's always food at parties in my experience. If we go to a party that's outside mealtimes I'd usually give a light lunch before we go as we've always been offered party food. It helps to break up the party too, I'd definitely serve food.

I think there has been some kind of meal at every single party my DC have been to (and they are now 6 and 9, so have been to lots). Two kinds of sandwich, carrot and cucumber sticks, crisps, some kind of pudding, job done.

I'd drop the snack, do lunch at 12 and then have 1/2 hour or so of dancing or whatever after. Have been to about 25 parties in the last year (have twins in different reception classes) and every single one provided a proper sit down lunch or tea

I'd drop the snack, do lunch at 12 and then have 1/2 hour or so of dancing or whatever after. Have been to about 25 parties in the last year (have twins in different reception classes) and every single one provided a proper sit down lunch or tea

Drop the snack and do lunch.

You need to serve lunch.

We have just done DS's party at home. If its over the lunch hour, you should provide food. We supplied hotdogs for kids, pizza for adults, ice cream cornets for afterwards. 10 blissful minutes of silence. (NB, you don't have to feed the parents, but it helps tide them over until they can get home).

You should definitely serve lunch, 4 year olds will be ravenous by 1 pm, especially after a 3 hour party! Parents and children will definitely expect it!

You can keep things fairly simple: cheese/ham sandwiches, crisps, mini sausages, cucumber and carrot sticks, fruit (grapes/strawberries/ blueberries) and birthday cake. Water or apple juice to drink. Jelly and ice-cream is traditional and popular if you can manage it.

Just in case we've not been clear, do lunch!

THanks everyone, my husband is now fully convinced that we need to serve lunch! Just FYI it will be a 2 hour party not 3!

This was my first Mumsnet post and was Sooooo helpful, thanks everyone again x