Party food

[Bigpantsaretheway]

Asking here for traffic. Hosting a child’s party soon. Is it usual to feed parents? If so would you rather a pre packed individual sandwich or platter? Thanks

If the parents need to stay then I'm sure they would definitely appreciate being catered for, even if that's just tea / coffee and biscuits.

No you don't need to feed them, just provide drinks for them. Maybe a couple of bowls of crisps, but not really necessary.

Maybe leave out a bowl of crisps for the adults, if you want to.

In my experience, after kids have eaten, (usually less than you have prepared) the adults help themselves the food if they want it.

Good luck

We had DD's 2nd birthday party in December. All the kids had individual lunch boxes so we just got a box of biscuits for the parents and put them next to the tea and coffee so they could help themselves.

I have only done parties at home in the Summer and don't intend to feed everyone but then I get carried away and do enough food for adults and children , then I decide if I'm feeding then I might as well do a few cocktails too 😀

Just crisps and nibbles should do if they need to stay.

I provided tea and coffee and biccies but that’s it. In my experience they hoover up kids leftovers too 🤣

No, you don't need to feed anyone who chooses to stay.

Tea coffee biscuits is the norm. No need to do more (actually I think people prefer it if you don't as it just makes others feel like they have to too).

Crisps/nibbles or tea and scones maybe.

Yes I cater for both - simply because I myself love a good buffet.

It's good to make it clear beforehand, either way. If you do anything for the parents, please ask them if they have any dietary requirements just as you would with the kids.

I need to eat regularly for health reasons and find it so awkward at the kids parties I've been to. When there's loads of food left but I'm not clear if the adults are "allowed" it, I'm too shy to ask as I also need to check ingredients before I could eat it anyway and feel like I'm being a pain. If it's clear we're not supposed to be eating, I feel awkward about snaffling a snack from my handbag and others will think I'm strange for not just waiting until I'm home. If it's clear we are allowed, often just tea and biscuits, I again feel awkward as it's usually only cows milk available and biscuits containing milk, which is one of the things I can't have, and so again I'm back to the choice of making a potential fuss asking for alternatives/ingredients or ignoring what they're offering me and stealth eating from my handbag. I find it all so awkward I have often tried to last until I'm home or at least in the car and have made myself very ill by not eating when I should.

Not usual to feed parents.

Cup of tea and biscuits if parents are staying

I think if parents need to stay, so if the children are young enough, there should be something for them. Tea , coffee and something savoury to eat, whether it be crisps etc or a platter of sandwiches as you suggest.

Yes parents can Hoover up left over party food, but it’s nice to actually offer them something.

Parties are often deliberately across a mealtime so that the kids do eat something. You end up awfully hungry if youve got little ones, rushed to get to the party etc and then there’s nothing at all for you. I don’t mean a proper meal, but something that isn’t sweet.

My DD is having a party soon and I am making extra food for the adults that are staying. It is going to be a drop off party but grandparents and a couple aunts/uncles will be there. If I don't feed them there will be a riot haha

That;s different though Short - that is your family.

Elrider - surely you would just put a flask in your handbag, not expect parents already hosting all the children to start catering for various needs of various adults too ? The hosts aren't responsible for you not eating. If you have a medical need they surely you would have "emergency rations" in your bag at all times. What if you get delayed at a hospital appt or get stuck in traffic on the motorway or it starts to snow and traffic all snarls up ?

I don’t think parents need to be asked about medical conditions/ dietary requirements though - it’s just a courtesy few bits and pieces - I wouldn’t want to start the expectation of a meal!

No.

Tea and coffee is a nice touch, but in my experience, the parents will just pick at the leftovers once the kids are finished.

I had a few soft play parties where I catered rather than venue.

I had a small platter of sandwiches on each adult table, provided soft drinks (cans) and paid a tab at the coffee shop. There was loads to help themselves to from the party food and there was masses of cake which we cut and passed round.

I cater for everyone who may attend.

@Kite22

That;s different though Short - that is your family.

Elrider - surely you would just put a flask in your handbag, not expect parents already hosting all the children to start catering for various needs of various adults too ? The hosts aren't responsible for you not eating. If you have a medical need they surely you would have "emergency rations" in your bag at all times. What if you get delayed at a hospital appt or get stuck in traffic on the motorway or it starts to snow and traffic all snarls up ?

I always do, and I fully accept I'm an outlier here, I was just pointing out how awkward it can be and making a suggestion/giving my perspective since the OP is asking for advice on the topic.

Most of the kids parties I’ve been to have just catered for the children (often not even provided drinks) but it’s nice if a sandwich platter is offered

A brew and a biscuit is more than enough but I quite fancy one of @pumpkinpie01 parties 😂

We always provided cold drinks wine or beer .

I often this this is cultural - I’m from a West Indian background and if people aren’t leaving with food there’s something wrong.

People left my wedding with food and cases of booze we’d bought so much.

Thanks all, appreciated. I’ll do a token something or the adults