To not put on food at my child birthday party?

[LittleDonkeyKong]

Having a party for my eldests birthday next month and have booked a DJ with a 2 hour party package. The party is 2-4. I think stopping for food is such a waste of precious dancing time and the party isn't over a meal time. Am I being unreasonable?

Can't you just provide snacks and drinks? It doesn't need to be a stop dancing thing, they can just grab some nibbles and start dancing again.

YABU. Kids look forward to party food. I have been to a similar party at same time slot. They had food half way through and then went back to dance.

You should at least provide drinks. Also you should inform parents so they make sure they bring snacks as kids will get hungry.

Don't provide any food then. Why ask here when you have figured it out for yourself anyway?

Sounds very miserly to me. But off you go.

I would have a table out with some snavks and drinks, sausage rolls, crisps and biscuits etc and jugs of pop for the duration rather than stopping for food.

We have given out pre made up paper bags during a party once, that worked well, DC just chose their sandwich on the day and swapped everything else amongst themselves.

I've been to a number of children's parties where there wasn't a full party meal....so a cinema visit where they were given a bag of popcorn and drink, or mid afternoon or mid morning party (not over a mealtime) where they had a snack such as an ice cream or birthday cake and a drink, but nothing beyond that. It was fine and the children didn't seem to notice or care.

Isn't it more adults who associate socialising with food? Little kids are not that bothered one way or the other, especially about sitting down for an eating session. A small snack and definitely a drink (partying makes you thirsty!) is good, but don't feel you need to offer a full scale party tea or lunch. I don't think it's being mean, it might be more practical, avoid waste, and if you're on a bit of a budget, it's an easy way to save. Really don't worry - but perhaps do state on invitation, there will be a snack and a drink, just so people aren't expecting lunch/tea - although at that time of day it shouldn't be that surprising.

YABU. The only time we did that was at Baby Loves Disco because they only provided snacks and drinks, but I did warn parents.

I haven't made a final decision yet that's why I asked 😂 seems most think I'm being unreasonable so cheese sandwiches and crisps it is 😂

Just have a buffet table with bits on it. Most children expect food and would usually have a snack mid afternoon.

Parents of the children invited might think you ABU / unusual / not great at hosting kids parties / tight.

You don't say how old the children are but I think most children will at least need a drink and a snack. Do you expect them to dance for 2 hours? Will they not want a rest, a change of pace, something else to do?

I think people will think you've chosen the odd time so that you don't have to feed them, so whatever you say won't really matter.

It is odd though.

No snacks or anything? That’s really weird, sorry OP.

Oh and maybe ask the birthday person about your plans. See what they say....

My ds is 7. He’s never been to a party with no food. He’d be very confused. It’s a big part of it. For some of the more shy ones, I have seen it’s when they are comfortable.

What about a big platter of crudités (with a dip or two if you're really brave) to one side with a few easily replenished jugs of water or watered down fruit juice? Some toasted pitta strips could be added if you think carbs are necessary (for energetic children, I would assume so)

Sounds miserable

Just do a buffet snack table that they can help themselves to.

I'd just do a table with snacks and drinks and they can visit it during the party, they don't need to stop the party as such.

Look over the contract your DJ sent you. I bet he will not be contracted for full two hours from start of party to finish but rather there is a set up time (usually half hour before guests start) that is included in the 2 hr party slots, so he plays for 1 1/2 hrs (with breaks) and then you are expected to have food/cake last 30 minutes.
That’s been the case with last five children entertainers who did a 2 hr party that I’ve been to/hired myself.

I thought the whole point of party food was to have a little break in the proceedings. I'd do a few snacks at least.

DS6 would be enraged if he went to a party and there was no food. That made me laugh Jesus . So would my DS when he was that age!

Sounds like a crap party. Why do you think putting on food would be “wasting precious dancing time”? How weird. They are children not adults off their tits on speed at a warehouse rave

I think it would be expected there would be food. I think for 2 hours of dancing at least put out some snacks like sandwiches or pizzas.

You are joking with the just cheese sandwich aren’t you?

I do think you need to give them something. Drinks need to be available obviously. I'm guessing the kids are late primary at least if there's a DJ but couldn't you just have a table with snacks and drinks available. Stuff like oven pizzas (can be served cold), sausage rolls, crisps and dips, fun sized chocolate bars.

What about a big platter of crudités (with a dip or two if you're really brave) to one side with a few easily replenished jugs of water or watered down fruit juice? Some toasted pitta strips could be added if you think carbs are necessary

It's a children's party, not a slimming club.