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AIBU?

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Original poster

Children’s party food with no fruit?

245 replies

Yessiryessir3bagsfull · 26/08/2024 19:01

AIBU not to include fruit in party food for 1-4 year olds? There will be sandwiches, crisps, cocktail sausages, chicken bites. Carrot and cucumber sticks, popcorn, party rings and chocolate fingers. Will fruit be missed - it’s so expensive for 20-25 kids.
thanks 🙂

OP posts:
stichguru · 26/08/2024 20:56

You have carrot and cucumber which is decent veg with first course and I would expect children to go for a sweet pudding. Fruit is expensive, fiddley to do and goes off if it doesn't go, I'd not do it. One thing I would say though is make sure at least some of the popcorn plain or salted rather than sweet, then if you do have a child who needs low sugar and so must avoid the party rings and chocolate fingers, there is something for them.

DarkForces · 26/08/2024 20:56

Maybe a sacrificial tangerine?

Original poster
Yessiryessir3bagsfull · 26/08/2024 20:54

Thanks all for the warning with popcorn, maybe not the best with excited kids!! Just found Aldi do 1kg of strawberries for £3.29 so might swap the popcorn for that, and then there’s some token fruit 😂 watermelon feels too messy but maybe that’s just from how I see our eating it!!

OP posts:
AliasGrape · 26/08/2024 20:52

DD just had her 4th birthday party - I did pizza (cooked at venue but still possibly cold by the time most got to it), with one vegan one for one child who required that. It was demolished!

I’d had a thread on here asking if I needed sandwiches and came away with the impression I did need some, dutifully made a plate full which was entirely ignored.

I also did watermelon and berries - they all went, As did doughnuts and party rings obvs. Weirdly the crisps weren’t particularly popular. And nobody touched the cucumber!

Cuwins · 26/08/2024 20:51

Justgorgeous · 26/08/2024 20:42

Why the general consensus that you have to feed kids junk as it’s a party? It is OK to give them healthy food, I have always included fruits and veg sticks, never given sausages or popcorn.

Because it's supposed to be fun and fun food you wouldn't have on other days is part of that

Maria1979 · 26/08/2024 20:50

Oh, missed the pop-corn bit! Leave out mini sausages (unless you slice them first) and the pop-corn. And no peanuts. You don't want your party to remembered for the wrong reasons🥴.. I have seen it happen a couple of times and it's really scary..

OneEightTwo · 26/08/2024 20:47

Bear in mind they don’t eat very much. I always put far too much out.

Magnolia1234 · 26/08/2024 20:47

Bag of tangerines and then nothing is wasted if they don’t get eaten at the party. Can draw smiley faces on them.

SouthLondonMum22 · 26/08/2024 20:46

Justgorgeous · 26/08/2024 20:42

Why the general consensus that you have to feed kids junk as it’s a party? It is OK to give them healthy food, I have always included fruits and veg sticks, never given sausages or popcorn.

Because it’s a special occasion. Part of the treat is the party food.

Noseybookworm · 26/08/2024 20:46

I'd maybe get a punnet or two of grapes, or strawberries are pretty cheap at this time of year. But I don't think it's essential.

CCLCECSC · 26/08/2024 20:44

I would add in some fruit. Watermelon is the easiest, and cheapest. Also berries and kiwi common allergens.

SouthLondonMum22 · 26/08/2024 20:44

Yessiryessir3bagsfull · 26/08/2024 20:34

I’m swaying over to pizza from sandwiches, cold pizza would be ok wouldn’t it? It’s the first time we are catering a party ourselves so sorry for the questions!

My 20 month old DS would prefer pizza but he would be fine with sandwiches too.

Maria1979 · 26/08/2024 20:43

Yessiryessir3bagsfull · 26/08/2024 20:34

I’m swaying over to pizza from sandwiches, cold pizza would be ok wouldn’t it? It’s the first time we are catering a party ourselves so sorry for the questions!

Cold pizza 😬 no go with sandwiches. But most important: don't sweat it! It's a party! Some will only eat a sweet, some will stuff themselves with everything, some will say they don't like anything but who cares? They will play and have fun and can go home and gave their berries and almonds or whatever at home afterwards.

Parker231 · 26/08/2024 20:43

Justgorgeous · 26/08/2024 20:42

Why the general consensus that you have to feed kids junk as it’s a party? It is OK to give them healthy food, I have always included fruits and veg sticks, never given sausages or popcorn.

Because it’s fun and children enjoy it.

Justgorgeous · 26/08/2024 20:42

Why the general consensus that you have to feed kids junk as it’s a party? It is OK to give them healthy food, I have always included fruits and veg sticks, never given sausages or popcorn.

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 26/08/2024 20:42

It's a party. If they don't get their 5 a day then the world won't end

Nosleepforthismum · 26/08/2024 20:41

Absolutely don’t bother. Mum to a beige 3 year old here. Actually does like fruit but only if there is nothing more exciting and beige on offer.

dontdanceonme · 26/08/2024 20:41

Carrots and cucumber is fine 😄

PensionPuzzle · 26/08/2024 20:41

I hate it when people put whole cocktail sausages and popcorn out for toddler parties... They inevitably want them when they see them but they are both choke hazards.

Fruit I wouldn't be bothered about either way, mine would it eat it but wouldn't miss it either.

Parker231 · 26/08/2024 20:40

knitnerd90 · 26/08/2024 20:38

So, get rid of the two things that are filling and high in protein? No.

In my experience there's always at least a couple of children who love fruit so I would try to get something.

Why would they need filling high protein foods - its a party - sugar is the main ingredient!

florasl · 26/08/2024 20:39

Grapes and a sliced up watermelon always go first at a party here and are pretty cheap. I’d definitely get rid of the popcorn though!

knitnerd90 · 26/08/2024 20:38

So, get rid of the two things that are filling and high in protein? No.

In my experience there's always at least a couple of children who love fruit so I would try to get something.

jen337 · 26/08/2024 20:38

I don’t bother with fruit for adult parties, nobody eats it! Had bbqs this summer the salads mostly went untouched!

Demonhunter · 26/08/2024 20:36

Moonshine5 · 26/08/2024 19:11

Next time I would lose the sausage, chicken and either the party rings or chocolate fingers ( a lot of upf - I know it's a party!). And use that budget towards fruit.
Plus meat eaters can eat vegetarian food, you've also covered the gluten free / lactose etc

I don't even eat meat and you sound like the thief of joy with this suggestion!

Cuwins · 26/08/2024 20:35

Yessiryessir3bagsfull · 26/08/2024 20:34

I’m swaying over to pizza from sandwiches, cold pizza would be ok wouldn’t it? It’s the first time we are catering a party ourselves so sorry for the questions!

Yep absolutely fine. I would just make sure you are aware of any dietary needs- sandwiches are easier to account of dairy/gluten allergies than pizza is.

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