feeding adults at children's parties?

[FimbleHobbs]

Am hiring a hall for DS 4th birthday party, no kitchen so am doing food boxes/bags. Would you also do food for the adults - most will stay as there are a lot of toddlers - and if so, what kind of food?

crisps, dips and cake - easy and appreciated.

People won't expect it. They will probably eat their DC'S leftovers if you don't provide any 'adult' food.

A piece of birthday cake would be appreciated.

We tend to have nibbly food for the adults, and something to drink. Crudites, crisps and dips would be fine, I think.

If its actually at lunchtime, then do provide something. If its at teatime, then some cakes/biscuits would be nice (and if you can do tea, that will be much appreciated). Otherwise - not necessary, though its good to offer either tea/coffee or fizzy water

Don't bother feeding adults. Cup of tea or coffee if possible.

dont bother, seriously

OP said there isn't a kitchen for tea-making.

I wouldn't bother then.

If you really feel you have to (and people don't expect it ime)...some crisps or adult biscuits. Don't do coffee if there's no kitchen. Fruit juice if that's what the dcs are getting.

I've seen some serious over-catering for adults at children's parties: champagne and bruschetta; those big cup-cakes with loads of frosting; a man with a coffee cart doing lattes. Ridiculous.

LOL at Squeaver- champagne and lattes

I would just provide something very simple - dips, crudites and crisps would be perfect - but, then, I would try to ensure that I had enlisted enough helpers that the other parents didn't feel they had to hang around. I've always found that I'm busy enough organising games, setting out the table etc without worrying whether the parents are adequately fed and watered; I've had some bad experiences with parents who cling to their child, mooch about and generally get in the way without actually helping!

Sometimes there's nothing for adults. I'm a greedy so and so myself so make sure I always offer stuff for the parents. Usually a bowl of crisps/nibbles is enough by this stage. If the cake is big enough, share with adults. I didn't make enough for all the adults at the last party I did and felt a bit guilty.

Squeaver obviously moves in very chic circles!

Agree Bocca (as ever ). It's not the child wanting the parent to stay - most of the time it's the other way round.

Precisely. Two years ago, we had pass the parcel with twelve (or however many) children and one mummy!

Thanks all. Will be encouraging parents not to stay! But most will be bringing younger siblings (a lot of 2 year olds) who are prob a bit small to leave yet.

Drinks wise, I will have a table with flask jugs of hot water etc so people can make their own tea and coffee.

Will do some crisps and dips then... although would love champagne etc - that can be just for me when it is all over!

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Fimblehobbs - This isn't the point of your thread, I know, but did you actually invite the younger siblings? It was a revelation to me, when we started off on this birthday party malarkey, that some parents assume that the invitation includes not just the child you've invited but all their siblings. I found myself, with no prior warning, having to entertain an 9 year old at a party where everything was geared to 4 year olds!

I haven't done food for adults at any of dd's parties. I normally offer any leftover food round (I think I had a box of biscuits last year for the adults)- luckily the hall we use is in a social club and there is a bar attached so they can buy their own drinks of so desired

Aimsmum

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