Kid's birthday party food

[Miriam101]

DC's 5th bday coming up in spring. Planning to invite about 18 kids.

Trouble is we would struggle to get that many round our tables indoors (although we could prob hire an extra table I guess). Am wondering whether I could buy those fun little cardboard party food boxes, pre-fill them each with a sarnie, crisps, treats, or something, and they could all sit on the grass outside in the garden, sort of like a picnicky thing? I could then make sure each kid has a juice or water and bring out some more buffet type veggie sticks etc?

Obviously the major potential problem here is the weather, but apart from that, can anyone point out any other big flaws in this plan? Anyone done it? Do you think the kids would just run wild and eat nothing?!

I did that recently and worked a treat! Barely
Any leftovers!! 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾 For weather

I've used them and it was really simple and much easier than putting all the food on the tables. We put fruit juice cartons in rather than cups. As long as you have blankets or something to give the kids a defined area to sit they will likely sit. Kids generally don't want to sit for long at parties as it is too exciting playing.

Brilliant, thanks both- fingers crossed indeed!

Also you can make up the majority of the box in advance and then on the day just add a sandwich

The dc have been to parties where when you replied you had to say what kind of sandwich/crisps you wanted and then they were put in a named box with some other bits of party food, to save messing about on the day. I think what you have suggested About sitting outside is fine though. I’d also do cartons of juice/fruit shoot/calypso type drinks to make it easier and also to try to help prevent spills. (Although be aware that some children will only drink water, so plan for that too).

If you’re in the uk and the party is fairly soon, you will definitely need a back up plan for weather. You can use the same boxes, just a few blankets on the floor in the lounge and make it an indoor picnic.

I would also add a note to the invitation to let people know there will be an outdoor element, so people have layers and coats.

With sandwiches, I’d say just pack 2 little quarters (they rarely eat more), either ask for choices in advance or go for one cheese, one either ham or chicken (obviously ask dietary stuff in advance, I’m not suggesting serving veggie or Muslim kids ham sandwiches!).