4 year old party... Food suggestions and food for parents?

[Countrylifemama]

Hi Mumsnetters

What party food would you suggest for a 4 yr old party? It's in a hall so don't want too much faff

Also we've got around 45 kids... Should I include food for the parents?

Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated X

Cheese and tomato pizzas, cheese and onion rolls, sausage rolls, cheese/jam/ham sandwiches, crisps, carrot and cucumber batons.

I supply drinks for the parents but no food , I tell them to help themselves to the leftovers.

I was thinking pizza too but then don't want to be running around the kitchen and likelihood I'll be there cooking/warming food up especially with number of guests... Unless I can serve them cold

Prosecco for the parents always goes down well....

Less than you think you will need. Kids that age like sandwiches (jam/cheese/ham), squeezy yoghurt, cold mini sausages, breadsticks, carrot/cucumber sticks, pack of Pom bears/crisps, squash/juice/water. Leftovers for parents

Serve them cold (well, they’ll be room temp really). Honestly, every kid’s party I’ve been to has had cold food. Kids don’t really care.

Haven’t you ever been to a finger buffet?

45 kids for a 4 year old??

Good luck. Haribos lol

Picnic bags

1x ham sandwich, half a sandwich cut in 2 small squares

1 x juice

1x fruit

1x crisps

1x chocolate

1x party tooter

Hand round a plate of cake afterwards.

Adults, tins of juice and cake.

Thanks for the replies! Has helped me with some ideas

Sheet82 yes 45 as he's just started reception... Thanks for your tip of haribos

We have 6 yo party coming up, food will be sandwiches, mini sausages, crisps, carrots/cucumber/tomatoes and apples/satsumas. Then birthday cake.

(I fully expect most of the veg, fruit and half of the sandwiches to be left over.)

In a rented hall with 45 four year olds... I would prioritise things that are easy to serve and not too messy to eat. Water rather than juice, or if you must do juice, do the individual cartons with straws not open cups.

As other posters have mentioned, young children dont always eat as much as you think, so its really up to you how simple you want to keep it.

Chicken nuggets, (can be cooked in advance - kids eat them cold as well as warm), pre-cooked mini sausages, lots of different crisps,pizza slices, wafer thin ham/chicken sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, (cut up cucumber, carrots and tomatoes as someone else mentioned is always a good choice) followed by any of these: fairy cakes or mini swiss rolls, ice cream, ice lollies, chocolate finger biscuits, party ring biscuits, little yoghurt pots, or jelly pots. Couple of different flavour juices. Tea/coffee for parents or maybe a cheap wine. (although I have never bothered with alcohol for the parents). I also tell the parents to help themselves to the food once the children have finished. Are you doing party bags for the children to take home as well? I forgot one year, and felt mortified. (couldnt stop apologising to the parents). My children are older now, so dont know if these are still expected.

Sorry @Countrylifemama it's a lot to take on! Was trying unsuccessfully to be funny! I'm sure they'll like a packet of Haribos in their party bags though.

I have a child turning 4 in the New Year I was thinking of inviting 4 friends!