So, party at weekend - what food should I pput in the food boxes?

[Hulababy]

I have to get this sorted and bought this week, for use on Saturday. Following on from some of the recent party threads I am a bit scared, lol

So, we are having food boxes and a picnic tea - sat on floor on picnic blankets. Party is between 3:30 and 5:30, so will be eating around 4:30pm I guess.

Most children are aged 4-5 years, with a couple younger ones.

I have already asked for sandwich choice (ham, cheese or jam) and a drink choice (apple, orange or water) and for any allergies. I know one little one has a dairy allergy, but that is sorted already as his mum is staying with us at the weekend anyway and will have brought substitutes) and one other little one can't have chocolate. All the older ones have stated no allergies or food issues.

Will do the sandwich probably on a little roll. And the drink will be a carton (water a mini bottle). All has to fit in the food box.

They will take a cup cake (DD's birthday cake) home with them in party bag.

So, what do you think I should put in the food boxes? Want to get a good list sorted before I go shopping!

jammy dodgers

How about some seedless grapes and some popcorn?

have a look at this thread - loads of ideas

Yoghurt raisins are good mini breadsticks and sticks of carrot.

Thanks forlink, will see what are suitable for a box.

Someone has suggested fruit kebabs, do you reckon there is a way of doing a fruit kebab for each child that won't fall apart in the box? Like the idea but not sure if workable.

Have just done a search on here and found out what I had in them last year!

The boxes had:

1 small soft roll with their choice of filling
1 carton/bottle of chosen drink
1 small bag with some salad/veg in - cucumber, peppers, cherry tomato, celery
1 small bag with some grapes in
1 small portion of cheese
1 box of raisins
1 mini chocolate/gingerbread man
1 mini pack of Pringles crisps

There were extra cakes and buns, made for adults but children could get to, on the side in the other room.

So, variations on that I guess. What to keep? What to discard? Alternatives?

oh flip. another party food thread......

seriously, hula's sounds good

How about a combination of these to make a fruit kebab. I thread them onto a straw (or half a straw to make a mini kebab):

strawberry,
marshmallow,
pineapple,
apple,
orange,
grape,
mango,
pear

Wrap in cling film to keep fresh before serving.

Hmm, so mini fruit kebab, on a straw (do they go on okay as not pointed?) wrapped in cling film? That shoudl stay okay int he box shouldn't it?

Hula I think your box from last year is fab, but I would put something else in instead of Pringles - homemade cheese straw? Mini cheese scone?

So, no crisps then? Was thinking of substituting with Pom Bear crisps.

No idea how to make cheese straws and really you would not want to eat my scones!!! I love cooking, but my baking leaves much to eb desired, lol! I did manage a batch of buns last week - DH was left in a state of shock that I had managed it and they were edible!

My sister is doing DD's cake and the adult's sweet nibbles.

I can't stand those Pom Bear crisps - why are they meant to be healthy? They seem really processed to me, I would rather have the real potato sort, maybe one of the less salty types.

This would just be my preference, hula, I don't think many parents have strong opinions about crisps and I think you have a great mix of foods there

OK, might dump the crisps. Never checked Pom Bear crisps to be honest - just heard they are supposed to be better???

Actually what I might do is put some crisp type things out ont he grown ups table. Then if people really do feel their child needs such things, then can grab a handful from there.

My kids like the apple crisps you can buy in health food shops, would they be an option?

My supply of those apple crisps has dried up Even cod took pity on me and sent a huge parcel of them, but they have gone now as well

You know, someone else also suggested apple cirsps too me. But I hate them! DD isn't keen either.

For the kebabs, if you stab the fruit with a skewer first, it's easier to thread onto the straw.

I like the sound of apple crisps. How about dried apple slices (or are these the same thing?)

What about homemade vegetable crisps?

fruit kebabs would be too messy for a party box I think, the juices will run and it;s a bit of a faff. If they were on a plate somewhere maybe, but not sure they'd be appreciated!

M&S Carrot Crisps or Boots do Parsnip and Beetroot Crisps. Divine.

Mc Donald's burger
Fruit Shoot
Haribo

Now that would be funny

I think what you did last year sound great

out of interest, why boxes, why not just hand food round?

I haven't got time to make crisps as well as everthing else I'm afraid.

Don't think fruit kebabs will work - may stick with haved grapes.

Why boxes? Way easier than plates, especially for a picnic on the floor type meal. Can be more organised in advance. Easier to transport to the hall in back of car also. Did it last year for first time and it worked really well, so sticking with it! And also found that the children simply loved having their own individual boxes too.