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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not feed lunch at a kids birthday party?

93 replies

ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:03

DD will be 3 in a month or so. I am considering having a village hall and bouncy castle from 2pm- 4pm.

AIBU to not serve food and just some cake and scones and some water/juice? DD eats at 12 and at 4. Which is what they do at nursery where a majority of the kids would be from.

OP posts:
Ameliablue · 30/08/2017 20:05

I wouldn't serve lunch at that time but maybe add some fruit and crisps.

NerrSnerr · 30/08/2017 20:06

All the parties I have been to have served food at that time. I personally wouldn't mind but I'd maybe mention it on the invitation just in case anyone is expecting it.

PinkHeart5911 · 30/08/2017 20:06

I think it's really unusual to only have cake at a child's birthday party and a bit tight tbh

wheredoesallthetimego · 30/08/2017 20:06

what will you do with them for two hours? feeding them takes up half an hour where you don't have to do party games! I think most people expect a party tea, sorry. I've never been to a party without them (kids now aged 10 and 7 so attended my fair share of parties).

Starlight2345 · 30/08/2017 20:07

At that age and time not at all...ld probably do some fruit aswell..School age junk food is fine IMO..Pre school lots tend be more precious about what they eat.

Ttbb · 30/08/2017 20:07

I wouldn't do lunch but have a table to one side with sausage rolls, carrot sticks etc.

Original poster
ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:08

Thats very true. I was being a bit lazy- neither of my kids eat at that time either. Think I will do food. Don't think DD will have a birthday party every year its going to get too expensive!

OP posts:
FairlyConstantNameChanger · 30/08/2017 20:08

Unless you want constant children coming up to you and asking where the food is and possibly leaving with thunderous faces because there is no food then I would do food.

Of course you are not obliged but it is absolutely miserable to come home from a party with a hyper or tired child who has not eaten.

thepatchworkcat · 30/08/2017 20:08

There's always been food at all the parties we've been to and as someone else has said it passes the time so they're not running around like loons for two hours!

If you aren't serving food, definitely make sure the parents know as most will expect it.

DisorderedAllsorts · 30/08/2017 20:09

I don't think it costs much or takes much effort to put a few cheese / jam sandwiches, sausages rolls, crisps, tomatoes & carrot sticks out for a birthday tea. People will be going to some effort and cost to buy your Dd a gift so the least you can do is to offer some decent food. Tweak the party times from 2:30-4:30 or 3-5pm to include a birthday tea.

Original poster
ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:09

Tips on how to do it on a budget really would be welcomed!

I've got 27 names to invite. I hope at least 10 will turn up!

OP posts:
Topseyt · 30/08/2017 20:10

I would provide sandwiches and crisps, plus birthday cake.

That was roughly the system with every party mine went to when they were about that age. Must say that I am rather glad that they have now outgrown it all.

Your choice though.

Alexandra87 · 30/08/2017 20:11

I've never been to a party where food wasn't served so I would be expecting it.

Original poster
ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:12

Disordered- that sounds good. i think I will do that- DH was talking about ordering M&S trays of food but even I can make some cheese sandwiches!

DH briefly mentioned doing a stew for the parents. No flipping way!! -he-has-no-idea-first-timer-

OP posts:
hidinginthenightgarden · 30/08/2017 20:12

I wouldn't mind this. I still have to feed my kids at lunch and then again at 6 because party food at 3pm just isn't enough.

FairlyConstantNameChanger · 30/08/2017 20:12

Yes I have been to loads of kids parties and never ones without sunstantial food. There would be riots!

iamyourequal · 30/08/2017 20:12

I would include small sandwiches and sausage rolls/mini sausages and crisps and chopped fruit/cheese on sticks. I always think parents who don't put that much on are being cheap or lazy. Just my opinion. Hope party goes well!Cake

AlternativeTentacle · 30/08/2017 20:13

kids party without food? nope...not going to go down at all well!

iamyourequal · 30/08/2017 20:15

Tips on how to do it on a budget really would be welcomed! best tip there would be steer clear of M&S pre-made sandwiches!

Original poster
ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:16

iamyourequal- I quite agree! I'll be doing them myself.

Is £45 for 3 hours reasonable for village hall hire?

OP posts:
87patshad · 30/08/2017 20:17

Buy a couple of loafs of bread - £2
Fillings, I would just do ham, jam and cheese - (no more than £5 for all 3)
Couple of large packs of mixed party crisps - (where I'm from at Asda these are 3 for £3)

Then if you want some sausage rolls and cocktail sausages.

I personally wouldn't bother with too much fruit, it's the last thing the kids will want at a party and it's not going to hurt them to not have it for a couple of hours!

A small side table and a couple of kids paper plates/ napkins.

Should think you could do this for £10-£15 extra!

It just gives the kids some nibbles, takes up a little of the time and then cake towards the end of the party.

Do you plan on providing party bags?

SantasLittleMonkeyButler · 30/08/2017 20:18

Yes, you need to serve food at a children's party. It will be expected.

No, you do not need to order anything from M&S! Get thee to Aldi & make your own sandwiches. You can buy the silver foil platter thingys from most £ shops.

You won't need a lot of food - 3 year olds will probably just pick at bits & pieces - but you'll definitely need to offer a party tea of sorts.

Paper plates & cups from a £ shop are your friend here.

Original poster
ginplease8383 · 30/08/2017 20:20

Thank you those are all great tips.

Yes for party bags just planning on doing a piece of cake, a little roll of home made play dough and a cutter and a small toy and some bubbles- is that enough?

OP posts:
Topseyt · 30/08/2017 20:20

Large bags of crisps, several of different flavours.

Butter two or three loaves of sliced bread. Use some for say jam, others for cheese, ham etc.

Make sure you have a good sized birthday cake.

That was all I ever did. It was a job I hated though. Sooooo glad I no longer have to do it.

JoWithABow · 30/08/2017 20:22

I agree you should provide some sort of food, otherwise the children will be really cranky by 4. Most people will leave their houses to get to the party at say, 11.30, which will have meant giving them some food at 11am latest. That's quite an early lunch.
Why not make up some ready made picnic boxes, include a sandwich, crisps, carton of drink and some kind of cake or chocolate biscuit, maybe raisins.