Toddler party- expectations of food

[iluvchips]

My DD is having her third birthday party between 2pm and 4pm at a soft play place where food isn't included. I'm wondering what everyone's expectations and experiences are regarding food provided at parties thrown at these times for a bunch of mostly babies and two year olds. I don't mind doing a full savoury/sweet and birthday cake 'spread', but I don't like throwing away lots of left over food. But then again, would it look a bit mean to just provide fruit and cakes and sweets as a kind of mid-afternoon snack?

did those times at a soft play party the other year. we just did cake and a drink as a mid afternoon snack.
I did write that on the invites so no one expected " high tea".

The timings of the party would indicate to me that you aren't providing 'tea' for the children.

I agree - with a cake - blow out the candles and sing. But you may like to provide some squash as they get hot and sweaty in those playgyms ...

But you could mention it on the invite just so the parents aren't expecting their little 'uns to be fed.

That would have been a good idea to have mentioned it on the invites, but I've already sent them out. Could maybe send a text though when people text if they're coming or not. Thanks for your replies on the matter.

I couldn't not provide a party tea whatever time the party was, I think it looks a bit mean. What about having a few pizzas delivered? You can always take home what's left.

I agree Dancergirl, think there should be more than cake and a drink at a party, regardless of the time.

I would provide cheese cubes, breadsticks, grapes... finger foods and drinks (juice or squash)
and the cake of course

Don't all soft play places have food in the last half hour? As a parent that's what I'd expect. I'd provide crisps/wotsits, tiny sausage rolls or sausages, grapes, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, chocolate fingers, party rings, probably half a sandwich each of jam and something else. Nothing too time-consuming but at least you've made an effort!

I would do a fairly substantial snack, but not a full meal at those times. IME toddlers don't tend to eat many sandwiches, but I'd do breadsticks, cheese cubes, sausages, cherry tomatoes, fruit, vegetable sticks- that kind of thing.