To not know how this is done?

[Grumpasaurus]

For context I am Canadian and these things happen differently here than at home!

DS is turning 3, we're having a party for him from 1-3 at a sort of community centre that has toys and a play ground. Doing a jungle theme (not really). I bought little jungle themed picnic boxes for the kids (about 20 ish, it will be hell!), in each of which I will put a juice box, a pack of flavoured rice crackers, a few chocolate coins, a pack of freddos, and four sandwich halves (one ham & cucumber, one tuna, one cheese & tomato, and one jam). I will also put a box of crayons and a little colouring book, and give them cake and and animal mask and a huge animal helium balloon instead of party favours (hate the tat).

I thought that would be a fun way for kids to have lunch and also easier than bringing a whole bunch of plates / cutlery / etc.

All that to say- do I need to provide anything for adults? Can't really afford to feed potentially 40 adults!!! Xxx

Oh an my AIBU is: am I AIBU to have no clue how to translate a Canadian childhood to British etiquette?

As you're doing it at lunchtime just make sure adults know that only kids lunch will be provided so they can eat first. If I thought I was getting fed and then had to wait until after 3 for lunch I'd be starving!!

If you can do it without tonnes of hassle and washing up, it would be nice to offer the adults a drink (tea/coffee/water). It's only two hours, I wouldn't expect to be fed, even if it is over lunchtime. I doubt there will be two adults per child (most will have flipped for it ).

That sounds lovely. I'm in Scotland and have never expected to be fed at a kids party, just the kids.

It's a nice bonus if there's a kettle and stuff to make coffees with but certainly not expected. YANBU I grew up here and found it all confusing when my kids started having parties.

Sounds perfect. I’d have a drink for the parents in case it’s hot and stuffy but otherwise nothing.

I wouldn't be able to help myself and would probably have tea/coffee for the adults, a couple of big packets of crisps put out into little bowls and a couple of boxes of mini cakes/traybakes. So very small refreshments for the adults, but still something.

Btw do you mean 4 sandwich quarters for the kids? 4 sandwich halves would be 2 full sandwiches which is surely way too much. And what's a packet of freddos? I thought freddos were chocolate bars?

Ah thanks, yes I should have said I will have coffee, tea, and MAYBE some Prosecco for the adults. Will add a sort of tray bake, good idea.

and yes I meant quarters, or fingers really.

A really wise mumsnetter said that's what she does at parties as kids who don't like one type can trade with another, etc. She said she made them whole, cut the crusts off, then cut them into fingers... so maybe 1/2 or 1/3 or 1/4...

And I bought a whole bunch of freddos in multipacks, which are individually wrapped, so will pop those into the picnic box.

That sounds perfect. I'm stealing that sandwich idea! Hope you all enjoy the party.

Sounds lovely. I never expect to be fed at a kids party (we’ve all been the host, right? It’s enough work already!) But as others have said it is a nice surprise if there is a drink and a biscuit available.

A lot of time on party invites there is an option to specify sandwich filling (when RSVPing) within a limited range: ham, jam, cheese. May reduce waste?

What about some token fruit? Berries or "nice" fruit? Could have a couple of bowls on the table rather than do individual packaging

Oh also what if I said:

"Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday! Going a bit rogue and doing kids picnic boxes for food, hopefully they will like them! Any allergies or dietary needs I should be aware of? Will also bring some coffee, tea, and Prosecco to power us through pass the parcel ;-). See you there!"

Oh really good idea re: the fruit. Will pop a banana, Orange, or apple in each one- excellent!

And I kind of thought it would be simpler to give everyone the same thing and they can trade? I imagine parents will eat any extra bits or take the box home to avoid waste? Seems like a lot of admin to customise!

It's a bit of a tradition here to order a huge box of samosas for the parents to munch on. They always go down well

It's done how you want it to be done. Don't feel the need to translate anything. Follow your heart and let everyone experience some Canadian culture. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Have a great time

Been to tonnes OP and you only need to offer hot drinks, squash and water from the hatch. Pack of fancy biscuits is a nice touch.
That’s it.
Be careful with dietary requirements with the tuna and the ham. Most little kids hate tomato (though mine has always loved them). Also imo too much chocolate. A jelly pot or cupcake or pack of corn crisps is nice.

I rarely feed the adults "proper" food at my kids' parties. Some bowls of crisps and a few packs of mini flapjack and brownie bites with tea and coffee or squash is the most I'll put out.

The packs you've done for the kids sound great.

I thought there wasn't too much chocolate? Just one freddo and a few gold coins? Like the jelly pot idea- cheap and easy to add.

And true re: tomatoes. Will remove the tomato from the cheese.

So we have:

Cheese
Ham

What would two other good choices be? DS is allergic to eggs.

Oh and to the pp who asked about Canadian culture- we love a theme! So that's done. We also normally would do a pot luck style (everyone brings something) or just drop kids off and leave them, but our house isn't really big enough for that yet.

Maybe will do rocky road for the adults and rice krispie squares for kids- super Canadian!

Ps I meant cheese and jam. Damn autocorrect.

Guess ham is an issue for Muslim / Jewish children and it's quite a diverse group actually.

Is tuna generally a problem?

God it's a fucking minefield.

Dont think Tuna is a great favourite amongst children.

Jam, Cheese ( cream cheese even) Marmite would be my selection

Just jam and cheese is fine and much less likely to be an issue as vegetarian, and non-pork.

I've found the kids really don't care about the lunch. They eat what's there but are far more interested in playing so lunch is just a short break.

If there is birthday cake I recommend you cut & serve it at the party. The chopped up bits that go home in napkins rarely go anywhere else than the bin, in my experience!

Aw I wanna come and get a party pack and a ballon it sounds awesome!

Can I ask if these picnic boxes are also the party bags - you mentioned plastic tat... kids might not realise and there could potentially be some disappointment/awkwardness at the end.

I personally wouldn't offer ham sandwiches for cultural reasons. Are there likely to be any Muslim children at the party?