to ask what’s happened to kids parties?

[Merryoldgoat]

I’m starting to wonder if I’m a bit of a dinosaur...

Is it not the done thing to lay on party food anymore?

I’m taking my son to a party and the parents have said there’ll be some cheese and butter sandwiches and few snacks like carrot sticks.

I went to one last year where it was entirely outdoors - in November. We did outdoorsy stuff in the mud and had hot chocolate and cake. No one was allowed inside the house except for loo. No other food.

There have been a few others too where food is bare minimum and it feels odd.

It’s my son’s birthday soon and he’s having a softplay party. I’m planning to do a full party food spread (sandwiches, crisps, chocolates, cakes, crudités etc).

Is this not the done thing? Am I going to be thought a massive pig?

I find navigating all of this stuff really stressful.

There has always been a decent amount of food at all the parties my 2 have been to. Depending on the party it could be cold or hot buffet but always plenty for the kids then the adults to help finish off. Love a bit of party food, I’d be disappointed with a cheese sandwich and a carrot stick!

I went to a soft play party where there was no food whatsoever just some squash not even birthday cake my son was starving. I didn’t realise they wouldn’t even be serving birthday cake otherwise I would have bought some food for him. It seems like a very stingy birthday party if there is no food.

@PinkSquidgyPig that party sounds so lovely - my dc would have really enjoyed that

I do lunch bags for the dc’s birthday parties now, normally containing a sandwich (ask parents when they RSVP what the child would like in sandwich), pack of crisps, yoghurt, box of raisens, cake bar and carton of juice. Everyone full after, much less wasteage, and easier to clear up.

@Merry phew! I've been to a fair few parties where the more obscure the hummus ingredients the better, and only naturally unsweetened biscuits for the sweet section made by junior (that'll be the DS with the very grubby hands since Mama believes dirt and germs are good for immune systems etc.)

Chocolate and sweets, bring it on!