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?

YABU, sorry. I've organised quite a few children's parties and have taken my DDs to lots of parties as well. The birthday tea and cake is the best part of it..

It's not all that difficult to arrange either.

They are children not adults off their tits on speed at a warehouse rave

I'm not even sure why but this made me laugh so much I had to leave the room

NO way am I doing this to be 'grabby' this is her 1st birthday party and she will be 8!

Off the point, but how come she hasn't had a birthday party before?

@MadameButterface

The Victorian era

IWell, going against the grain, but personally wouldn't bother (as long as there were snacks and drinks) but I'd make sure I worked it in to the invite (ie Dancing from 2-4. snacks and cake to be served so please let me know if there are allergens).

But gosh, people feel really strongly about this don't they. What meal would people expect at that hour anyway?

You definitely need food!

It's always expected at a party, plus everyone needs that 20 minutes or so of relative peace and quiet in the middle. A bunch of seven year olds will mostly be running around anyway, they honestly do not view dancing time as sacrosanct.

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

Hmmm, that does sound carby now you mention it. Don't add tomatoes whatever you do, as they are technically fruit and , as everyone on MN knows, fruit is basically just sugar and hence is evil. And where's the protein? How about some kind of lentil and kidney bean casserole with gently wilted cabbage, kale and spinach , and then some paleo avocado brownies in lieu of birthday cake?

What meal would people expect at that hour anyway?

Kids party food? It's not 'a meal' is it? It's just part of the event.

eating at a snail's pace and there's always loads of waste!

It's called "dinner" in our house, lol.

Gersemi it's just not something our family does. We always go round to my sisters house on birthdays where my girls play with their many cousins and grandma and grandad come too. I think I only had 2 birthday parties in my childhood.

What are you doing about about party bags?!

I’ve broken the party code then. I did a 2 hour party with an inflatable assault course and games organised by an sports coaching organisation. I don’t normally do it without food but I invited all the boys in the class and based on previous parties I’d either hosted or been at the food part of the party was horrific. Usually 1 or 2 children ended up in tears as they were picked on by other children and the general behaviour was awful in a group situation. I was considering just avoiding parties altogether and many parents just didn’t hold them at all. I had drinks available and made it clear on the invites that there wouldn’t be any food. Worked well in that instance

Party bags = piece of cake, a pencil and an uninflated balloon! CRACKED IT!

I know it's all moved on but in the circumstances I wouldn't have expected food either.

My ds is 7 in December and he's been to loads of parties and I could count on one hand the amount that have been catered to the extent most people seem to think is necessary

the dj will expect there to be a break for food, we've had quite a few of these parties and I'm always asked what time we want to stop for food, he kids will also claim to be hungry then hardly eat anything, I would just keep it simple though

Loads of crisps, sausage rolls, limp sandwiches and cold congealed pizza. Yum.

Why not just roast an ox on the lawn, provide each child with a razor-sharp knife, and let them cut their own practically raw, blood-dripping slices off the carcase?

They'll love it, and a few of them will have the extra excitement of a high-speed ride in an ambulance with the siren wailing. People will talk about it for years!

Yabu. You cant have a party without food. Thats vvvv strange. Put nibbles on and cake and lots of drink. It all be eaten op...who dances for two hours straight.

I’m reading this eating sweet chilli Doritos. My advice, have Doritos at party.

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* I hope you're joking! I certainly don't know anyone who thinks carbs are ever necessary. As for the watered down juice, you might as well just pull all their teeth out!

It's a bit scummy even a fruit platter and air popped popcorn with unlimited water would be the very least expected. And some sort of cake or cupcakes to sing happy birthday to.

Of course there will be a cake and drinks! I'm going down the sausage roll and crisps route.

It's expected. They will be hungry.

A two hour disco will be way to long for kids of this age you'll be glad of a break for a bit for food and a sit down you'll need games and activities alongside the disco too . I'm a brownie leader and after about half a hour the brownies start fussing when we do a disco

Yanbu not to do 'food' as in the sandwiches and sausage rolls sit down stuff.

But I'd do nibbles if they are dancing etc for 2 hours.

Just bowls of crisps and maybe the cheddars etc, grapes and cubed cheese.

Things they can grab and eat standing if they need it.