3 Yr Old Birthday Brunch

[Anonymous]

I'm contemplating a birthday brunch for my DD's 3 year old's birthday but am not sure what to serve (besides bagels, fruit and cake). Any ideas (and recepies) for great (and easy) food to serve to a bunch of 3 year olds and their parents?
We will most likely have the party from 9:30-12 but will it be weird to serve cake as the last thing right before lunch?

[Anonymous]

Parents will be fine with bagels and coffee. For the kids you could make mac'n'cheese or chicken tenders (Bell & Evans are pretty good) or small sandwiches (cheese, ham, turkey, cream cheese & jam, etc.). They probably won't eat much so don't go overboard. Also, you didn't ask, but 2.5 hours is too long IMHO. I think 2 hours is plenty.

[Anonymous]

OP Here: I love the idea of small sandwiches for the kids and that is something I can prepare ahead of time. Thanks for that idea! Also, I'm happy to know that 2 hours are enough (makes my life easier!) since this is the first year DD really understands that it is her birthday and showing interest in inviting her friends.

[Anonymous]

How about a breakfast casserole for the adults? Most can be assembled the night before and put in the oven in the morning. Pioneerwoman.com just had a french toast one that looks really good.

[Anonymous]

We spent $40 on a mini sandwich platter from Giant -- small rolls with ham, turkey, and roast beef. I thought it was a nice option for people who weren't into bagels and cream cheese (but our brunch started at 11:00 am), and I just had way too much going on with family in town for me to be making a lot of tiny sandwiches.

[Anonymous]

We did munchkins and a quiche. The kids grabbed a munchkin here and there and the adults had quiche.

They just wanted the cupcake at the end.

PB&J mini's would be fine. I wouldn't make too much, they will be too busy playing.

[Anonymous]

You could do mini-muffins instead of cake. Older kids might feel slighted with that, but I think three year olds would still be okay. (Disclaimer: My child is only 1 yr old. I may find out in a few years that--even at age 3--kids catch on that mini-muffins aren't as cool as cupcakes!)

We're also a bagel family so I think mini-bagels and spreads would be fine for the little ones. I also agree to do 9:30 - 11:30. That takes you out of the "lunch window". Most kids are going to eat breakfast at home and then pick/snack at your house.

Never would have thought of a brunch for a birthday party. What a great idea! Most kids I know around that age are at their best during that time!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could do mini-muffins instead of cake. Older kids might feel slighted with that, but I think three year olds would still be okay. (Disclaimer: My child is only 1 yr old. I may find out in a few years that--even at age 3--kids catch on that mini-muffins aren't as cool as cupcakes!)

We're also a bagel family so I think mini-bagels and spreads would be fine for the little ones. I also agree to do 9:30 - 11:30. That takes you out of the "lunch window". Most kids are going to eat breakfast at home and then pick/snack at your house.

Never would have thought of a brunch for a birthday party. What a great idea! Most kids I know around that age are at their best during that time!!

I have a 3 yo, and I guarantee you a 3 yo would be disappointed with muffins. Cake or cupcakes or ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins is the way to go.

[Anonymous]

I have had a brunch party for my 4-year old every year, usually around 11 am until 2 or 3 pm or so. I have always had: bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, 2 types of fritatas, fruit, cheese, sliced kielbasa, coffee, juices, mimosas. It is easy and delicious. We always have cake and ice cream, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could do mini-muffins instead of cake. Older kids might feel slighted with that, but I think three year olds would still be okay. (Disclaimer: My child is only 1 yr old. I may find out in a few years that--even at age 3--kids catch on that mini-muffins aren't as cool as cupcakes!)

We're also a bagel family so I think mini-bagels and spreads would be fine for the little ones. I also agree to do 9:30 - 11:30. That takes you out of the "lunch window". Most kids are going to eat breakfast at home and then pick/snack at your house.

Never would have thought of a brunch for a birthday party. What a great idea! Most kids I know around that age are at their best during that time!!

I have a 3 yo, and I guarantee you a 3 yo would be disappointed with muffins. Cake or cupcakes or ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins is the way to go.

Plenty of kids would be fine with muffins. Maybe put some cream cheese frosting on them. I did banana muffins like that for my son in preK and K, and the kids liked them.