Kids party no food

[Thebabewiththepowerof]

Quick one

Aibu to think the recent move towards not providing party food at kids parties is a bit odd?

Just picked up DS from yet another party where no food was provided (and no it’s not a cost thing, not in this case anyway) just a doughnut 🍩.

The kids don’t care I’m sure but I wasn’t planning on doing a “dinner” tonight so had to come home and produce something from nothing because he was hungry. If you aren’t providing food then at least tell us in advance so we know!

Anyway, am I?

ps for context he is 8, appreciate if he were 16 this would all be a bit weird 🤪

Sorry I should add if it’s over a meal time there would maybe be sandwiches, sausage rolls and so on.
I know kids are small but one donut is incredibly miserable! It’s a party I would expect a bit more ,.

Sounds like lots of mean people on this thread. I couldn't give a fuck about the horrendous pile of gifts that my kids used to get. The party is the fun thing imo.
I always make too much food personally. But I wouldn't be such a cunt as to judge other people for not being able to afford to feed 40 kids.
Lots of people on this thread are extremely materialistic. Probably Tory voters 🙄

Wow. This needs its own thread! Please tell us more! What was the reaction of the guests? Why didn’t people just leave to find food?! Was there any fallout or damage to friendships?

I think providing food is an expectation at parties; the same for party bags. We haven’t hosted a party every year because we had other financial priorities. When we have hosted parties we have provided a decent meal and a party bag for each child. Some people host class parties (with food) and some host smaller parties that are a little cheaper (with food) depending on what they can afford. I must admit I would never host a party and happily take a load of presents off guests without providing their children with food and party bags. I would find it a little rude if food wasn’t provided but to be honest I wouldn’t give it too much thought.

I would be fine with this. When my DC were little party food was usually provided.

I once had a mother complain about the food we served because their LO did not like what was provided and needed dinner. It was standard stuff and all things the party child liked. There was a choice of sandwich, sausage rolls, crisps, fairy cake, fruit, carrots and hummus, birthday cake. No jam slags unfortunately. All dietary requirements were catered for, nothing was mentioned for the LO in question. I offered alternatives. They were incredulous, not sure what they expected. Didn't much care.

I am glad those days are far behind me.

my days of kids' parties are in the dim and distant past but I always did lots of finger food, plus crisps, and little cakes as well as the big one. Serving food make a welcome break amid the mayhem, used to sometimes think I would rather give birth again than host a party for little ones!

I am with you 100% OP. The whole premise of a party is multitudinous nibbles and scrummy food. Some posters must host truly grim parties. Let’s hope we’re not invited!

I would decline a kids party if there wasn’t food - how tight!

Even if food is on offer I still have todo my dd her dinner all she would eat at a party is the sweets an cakes

I purposely plan parties between meals so I don't have the expense and mess of providing, serving and cleaning up food. I make.it clear to the parents though, for example I'll say 'I'm not providing a meal, but cake and lemonade will be served'.

It's tight AF. Why have a party if you can't supply food to your guests... no doubt because people like you want to profiteer.

Yeah ok, it is tight and not the norm but honestly, times are tough for a lot of people so personally I'd cut them some slack. If they want to give their kids a party and receive presents but scrimp on food then so be it. I can't get bothered over this.

The last party we had for my DC was food-less except for the cake - it was at a laser tag type place and was mega expensive as it is, also was in the morning. Also, no party bags etc. Everyone seemed happy.

not providing party food

My worst fear (I'm only there for the buffet). Not providing food at a party is the behaviour of absolute reprobates.

2-4pm wouldnt have food.
Past lunch and before dinner
What food was you expecting?

Still waiting for the recipe from another thread aren’t we @splatmouse 🤣

Not a party if there's no food and drink! Awful...

I did not say it is good practice, just that it is standard practice (NICU mum too).
But that child old enough to attend events on its own need more food than cake and juice can provide in few hours window just seems over the top.
Older children do not need to cluster feed.

I’d never host a party without food and would expect some food no matter the time unless stated otherwise. Like you say I think it’s fine to not give food but at least pre warn the parents. I can’t believe the amount of people thinking this is ok.

The party finished at 4pm - on what planet did you expect your 8 year old son would be fed a dinner before 4pm allowing you off cooking dinner for him that night?

Seriously toxic out of touch mumsnetters here. Some parents want to give their children a birthday party and not have to feed 30 adults and kids. If a party was from 2-4 I would not expect my child or myself to be fed.

catch a grip on yourselves. I am in the fortunate position to be able to put on a good spread but I would not just anyone that doesn’t provided the party isn’t T 4.30-7pm where it would be reasonable to expect a sandwich.

you all need your privileged heads felt if you think because a parent can’t provide a spread for adults that their child doesn’t deserve to be made to feel special on their birthday

I'm in Canada, but from UK originally. We just had a party at home for our 8 year old and 7 of her friends. It was 2-4 pm, and we served homemade cupcakes, crisps and watermelon, with juice boxes. Totally normal here. The kids were playing outside, and didn't want to sit down for longer than 5 minutes anyway. Surely if the party is mid afternoon, the expectation is that they have had lunch before they come, and will have an evening meal with their families later? No way would I be confident enough to attempt a full meal for multiple kids that I don't really know. Most of it would be wasted because kids have such different preferences.

I have never once experienced this with multiple children.

Usually a 'main' of some sort - sandwiches or pizza etc. Then fruit tray, cake or cupcakes etc. I love the food part of the party - you get some peace & quiet!

It's just bad hosting to not have food and drink to offer guests.

Not normal at all.

If you can't afford it don't have a party. Not providing food makes you look grabby and a cheapskate.