Kids party 43 kids.... and sandwich filling ham or cheese???

[peppajay]

I have 23 months between my DD and DS so this year so they are having a joint party at a church hall with a disco. I started with a limit of allowing them 15 friends each but with adding in friends are aren't school friends this comes to 43 kids. Friends are telling me I am mad and this is way too many. They have never had a big party before and my DD has always wanted a disco. There party is first weekend in July between their two birthdays and so I am thinking that probably not all the 41 kids will come as in the summer people have pre booked holidays or commitments.

Food wise I am doing a cardboard sandwich box with a sandwich crisps and a choc bar and a ice cream. Another question so I don't have to make loads of different flavor sandwiches which do you think is more popular cheese or ham??

And finally am I just plain crazy......................................

I'd do both, so the kids have some choice.

It won't be any harder, if budget stands for it just buy a shed load of grated cheese.

And yes, you're crazy

Oh yes, you're plain crazy!

A friend recently had a party and on the invite asked the parent to confirm whether their child would like ham/cheese/jam.

The boxes were then named and handed out.

Seemed to work OK.

you are crazy
but, IME of children's parties and sandwiches they really only like chocolate spread and maybe Dairylea and if you put them in a box they are bound not to like them or want to swap etc.
Although out of the 2, I would go for cheese - safer than meat with veggies etc around
Could you put a mini pizza in instead?

that's a good idea whattodo but then you'll get some that don't reply but still turn up

Cheese covers you against any unknown Jewish/Muslim/veggie kids, but with that number I'd do a choice - you're unlikely to get 43 people who all like the same thing.

oooh - and little rolls are easier than sandwiches - they never eat the crusts of sandwiches

I do both but I would do cheese spread like Philly as its less messy than grated cheese!

I used to do both ham and cheese and ask on the invitation whether there were any special dietary requirements.
The veggie/no pork children got cheese, the allergic-to-dairy got ham (with dairy free spread) and everyone else got both. Special boxes were labelled with the child's name.

I used pre sliced cheese.

Good idea about putting choice on the invitations. I may do that thanks. I am hoping that a lot of parents will stay as that number does include about 6 pre schoolers who are siblings of some of the older children!!!

And for 'cheese' they like those squares of processed cheese.

Not the 'healthy option' but it's what they like...

Or yes pre sliced cheese, but not grated as that equals big mess!

Well, you could get confounded by both religious dietary requirements and food intolerances/allergies whichever you go for.

Of the two, I'd go for cheese, with an emergency few empty rolls and a couple of packs of sliced chicken in case.

I'd do both. Just cut them in half/quarters and give them a triangle of each in case of dairy allergies/veggies. I've been to one where they've had 3 small triangles (quarters) wrapped up. Dd was veggie at the time and I just swapped her ham with someone else who didn't like cheese.

I would ask the parents of the preschoolers to stay. Explain that you have a lot of children coming and as their children are smaller, would they mind staying to help out a bit. If they say they can´t, you haven´t lost anything. But you do know whether you can count on their help or not. Then make sure you have coffee and/or wine for the parents.
Another possibility is that you pay some local teenagers (ideally someone who babysits for you) to help out.

I wouldn't bother with asking what dietary needs a guess has. Put two quarters of a sandwich in each box. One ham and one cheese. If someone doesn't want cheese and another doesn't want ham, they can swop.

Don't fanny around making sure everyone is happy. It'll never happen with 43 kids.

I would also do both. I always ask on the invitation if their child would prefer ham or cheese and also if there are any special dietary requirements (e.g gluten allergy). I've never had many people come back with a preference though, but it always makes me feel like I've at least made an effort.

Whenever I've done the party boxes, I put the sandwiches on big platters next to the filled boxes. So the children line up get a box, pick whatever sandwich and sit down.

I would do around 60% cheese and 40% ham. Rolls are better, no soggy crusts to chuck and the don't dry out so quickly.
Don't forget to do extras for any parents.

I wouldn't bother with asking what dietary needs a guess has

Really? I think it is basic manners to ensure you don't serve something to a guest that they can't eat.

Just do jam sandwiches all round!

Choosing only 1 option, I'd go for ham - but I can't eat cheese.

I think you need to either ask or set up in such a way that someone who is allergic/veggie can avoid as necessary.

Surely if you're serving at least 43 children, it's a bit much to expect the host to consider dairy intolerants, vegetarians, vegans, nut allegies, wheat intolerants, pescetarians. And then there's the drink issue. Fruit Shoots, High Juice, fizzy, sugar free, water, pre-mixed squash.... You could go on for hours making sure you've pleased everyone.

Guests should expect to have to pick something out, if they don't like it or can't eat or drink it.

No, it really isn't.

You seem to be including "personal preference" in with "special dietary needs"

I remember hosting a party for 45 children (my DSs are 2 yrs and 6 days apart so a joint party). I had two nut allergies, a dairy allergy, several vegetarians and someone with coeliac disease. All were catered for as required, it really wasn't hard.