Do you cater for the adults?

[MizMoonshine]

At a two hour long children's birthday party (early dinner time on a Saturday) would you cater to the adults?

There are only 10 kids in total. We're putting out snacks but plan on buying McDonald's for the kids.

YABU - Feed the parents
YANBU - Don't feed the parents

Depends
Small kids where parents stay offer cake and tea or biscuits
Party where parents don’t stay but one or two may stay then no I wouldn’t

If parents have to stay, its nice to offer biscuits and coffee or some sort of drink that isn't squash.

How old are the children? Are parents expected to stay? Back in my day, we used to call it 'the dump and run', two hours of unhindered alone time bliss. There were those who were closer to mum who would stay and help if she didn't have an army of relatives to hand.

Yes I do. I generally do a big table spread that caters for the dc and adults at the same time.

Offer tea/coffee/soft drink and if you are feeling generous biscuits.
Adults shouldn’t be expected to be catered for at children’s parties they aren’t the guests.

I do a small offering of some nibbles for the adults and a glass of something.

The parents of the children are invariably my friends too so it’s a big a gathering.

Tea or coffee and a big slice of cake if you're feeling generous.

Do you know they plan to stay? Depends on age obviously but staying at parties dropped off rapidly through YR.

I wouldn't cater as such, but I would definitely offer tea/coffee gin and cake (not the kids party one!)

Coffee and biscuits

For an early evening party of parents were staying I’d offer soft drinks , a glass of wine / beer and nibbles (olives, dips, crisps etc) - nothing that takes any work - but I have found it really helps to get the adults talking - the worst is a kids party in a hall where parents have to stay but stick around the edges with no where to be / socialise. You kids is much more likely to be invited to play dates / other parties if the parents have a good time IME

Depending on time and ages of children. Usually I’d have offered a glass of wine at collection, if it was just dropping off. The same but with some olives, cheese straws or a few crisps if they were staying.

Is this a party where the adults are all required to stay? I think if it's adults required they should get some sort of refreshments.

If we are talking pre-school and you expect the parents to stay then I'd do some sandwiches and coffees.

Otherwise no.

We always do some kind of nibbles for the grown ups - summer garden parties we would offer Pimms and a little tray of crudités/strawberries etc. Indoors or other times of the year wine and cheese, olives - generally we kept it simple though. Nowadays the children are older and have smaller gatherings at organised venues and then go to Nando's etc afterwards. I miss organising their parties!

Depends on the age of the kids and the time of the party. I have always catered for the adults when kids were too young to be left and the party was over a mealtime (eg 12-2). All the adults said how great it was that we provided them food and they were very grateful - but of course none of them did at their own 12-2 preschool parties!

If it isn't over a mealtime then I'd just provide drinks (tea/coffee) and cookies/brownies/pastries/whatever separate to the party food.

Yes do wine and nibbles, children’s parties are hell when you have to stay and make small talk, and you will forever be loved and your children invited back

I'm just here waiting for the comments about MacDonalds 🤣🤣

It's a hired outdoor structure, no access to kitchen etc. So prepared food has to be brought with us. I'd expect the parents to stay, yes, as it's not a secure building.

Yes I would. I think it would be rude not to for two hours. You can do a few platters with easy stuff- sandwiches, mini pies, biscuits tea and coffee. Doesn't have to be fancy but it would be good hosting to provide everyone with something to eat.