Food for a Kid Birthday Party

[Anonymous]

I hope this is the right place. My son is turning 5 and I have a playground party planned. For a variety of logistical reasons, the party is on a Sunday afternoon from 3-5. Thus far everyone who has responded is coming with both adults and siblings (I said on the invite that siblings were welcome) I have the kid food all figured out but I would like to have something nicer for the parents.

My dilemma is about how to serve things. In the before times, I would have trays of things from which people can serve themselves and also stuff like a bowl of chips and dip. Is it ok for me to do this again or do I need to have more individualized stuff? If so, I need ideas. My usual go-tos are a mezze platter, a big cheese board with crackers, jams, nuts, olives, etc,. I was also thinking of ordering a tray of sandwiches from a local place.

What say DCUM? Go ahead and scold me for even having a birthday party when there is still Covid or give me your ideas or tell me if I'm going back to my former ways.

TIA

[Anonymous]

It’s at the playground. And between meals. As a parent, I wouldn’t expect anything for myself, nor do I really want to be mid day snacking on a bunch of stuff. I would take something to be polite, but it isn’t needed, given the time of day and venue. Have plenty of beverages for parents to also have one and enough cake if parents want a piece. But the actually snacks and food I would just focus on the kids, perhaps have extra if a parents want some, but no need for separate adult food. Any way you want to serve it would be fine by me.

[Anonymous]

Cheese and crackers, fruit platter, veggie platter. Keep it simple and don't overdo it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheese and crackers, fruit platter, veggie platter. Keep it simple and don't overdo it.

+1

Chances are the adults will not eat. But something small and simple like this does the trick for your own peace of mind and for the one or two parents who might grab a slice or two of cheese.

[Anonymous]

Your party is in between meal times. I'd just have a case of bottled water, and otherwise serve cupcakes at the end in lieu of birthday cake. No food for adults. Or, they can have a cupcake if there are extras.

[Anonymous]

I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

why no platters? That's what I have usually seen.

to the OP, if you are concerned about shared stuff just make sure you put several serving spoons and provide forks and spoons and small plates. People can then choose to pick up food with their hand or with a fork from their own plate.
crackers - just do individual packs for those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

why no platters? That's what I have usually seen.

to the OP, if you are concerned about shared stuff just make sure you put several serving spoons and provide forks and spoons and small plates. People can then choose to pick up food with their hand or with a fork from their own plate.
crackers - just do individual packs for those.

An elaborate charcuterie board at a playground party for kids is over the top

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

Exactly the same here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

I agree- and would have still agreed pre-pandemic.

[Anonymous]

At the last playground party I went to they had clementines and individual bags of popcorn/goldfish/pretzels. Bottled water and cupcakes. I thought that was perfect for a 2hr non-mealtime party.

If you do a big elaborate spread it will go to waste because the kids are too busy playing and the adults are all on diets or just not hungry in between meals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At the last playground party I went to they had clementines and individual bags of popcorn/goldfish/pretzels. Bottled water and cupcakes. I thought that was perfect for a 2hr non-mealtime party.

If you do a big elaborate spread it will go to waste because the kids are too busy playing and the adults are all on diets or just not hungry in between meals.

I would do that too. Easy and practical. I would avoid nuts in this setting unless you know there is no allergic kid. Coffee and other drinks for parents and enough cake if they want some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not do platters for a playground party - unless this is something formal where you have reserved space and tables and a tent (but I'm guessing that's not the case).

I have attended and enjoyed playground parties these last two years, around the same age group, and been fine with no food, or snacking on whatever the kids were having if I was hungry.

Bottled water and/or seltzer would be much appreciated, though.

why no platters? That's what I have usually seen.

to the OP, if you are concerned about shared stuff just make sure you put several serving spoons and provide forks and spoons and small plates. People can then choose to pick up food with their hand or with a fork from their own plate.
crackers - just do individual packs for those.

An elaborate charcuterie board at a playground party for kids is over the top

where did I say anything about a charcuterie board? Veggie tray or fruit tray which you buy from the store. Add some serving utensils.

[Anonymous]

How fancy are your friends? You could just do individual bags of pretzels or sun chips so if any adult is feeling noshy, they can grab one. Clementines are also great.

[Anonymous]

Tray of subs. We have done that and they all got eaten. Chips, fruit and veggie platter.