Going home hungry after birthday parties

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You guys are pretty obnoxious! Unless I go or host a party at a meal time (like before 1 or after 5), then I would never expect a full meal to be served. Ever. I would hope there would be some munchies, and I would certainly provide snacks (like fruit, veggies with hummus, crackers, etc). My kid's last party was 2 - 4. Who the hell eats lunch or dinner at this time? I hope u don't starve you kids for a bday party. And, I spent time coming up with cool and fun games and activities for the kids to do so eating a long meal wasn't half the party. And yes, we are struggling financially - so not everyone can afford a catered meal. I am hosting my other child's bday at 11. Yes, we are serving a meal. Get a grip people, this is just a bday party.

BUT you greedy pigs expect a birthday present don't you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, why are you so "baffled"?

Clearly, people don't think this is as critical an issue as you do.

So, don't go to the party. Problem solved.

Except, the people who invite do not say that they will not be serving any food. So, you are suckered into going to a party where there are poor hosting etiquette and people expect you will still buy them a present.

Hey, here's a great idea. Why not tell the guests not to get any presents? And also mention that because of the odd time you deliberately chose - no food will be served. Then see how many people come to your party?

Greedy, shameless cheapskates!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I prefer no food, just cake parties. The kids are more interested in play with each other anyway. My kid is a sloooowwww eater. If the kids can just play, then have cake and b-day kid open presents, it gets everyone out of there quicker.

I actually do too. My boys NEVER eat a bday parties (except the cake!). They are too excited. Their plate always has an untouched piece of pizza, etc. I have to feed them when we get home EVEN IF FOOD IS SERVED!

Me too. My kid is way too excited and just wants to play. Every single party I've been too, when it's time to stop and go have cake the kids dont want to cause they are too busy playing. Making them stop playing twice (once for the food and once to have cake) usually causes a couple kids to meltdown. I thought I had the only kid who, no matter if food is served, wants to eat when we get home. At a party, she's too excited to eat.

Good for your kid. Still does not mean that the host will not offer food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going home hungry after a birthday party? Who cares? Your kid will survive not eating for a couple of hours.

Still does not mean that the host will not offer food. That is pretty low class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm surprised by the amount of folks on here who cannot plan ahead and eat a quick pb sandwich before or after a party which is for children.

Still does not mean that the host will not offer food. Pretty low class. Make it clear that you want the kids to be dropped off. If they are forced to be at your kids dumb party, they have driven to your house, they have bought a present for your kid. You feed them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They committed to throw a children's party.

Without food it is not a party, dumb ass. They are like the boxes in Toys R Us, where people drop gifts for "Toys for Tots" charity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm surprised by the amount of folks on here who cannot plan ahead and eat a quick pb sandwich before or after a party which is for children.

They can. This isn't about people who can't plan ahead. It's about hosts who don't provide the bare minimum at a supposed "party" that nobody forced them to throw.

I actually think this is about guests who can't be particularly appreciative or gracious that someone invited them to a party that wasn't exactly the same way they would have done it. Guess what? Throw your own darn party. Do it they way you want. But don't criticize others for doing it the way that makes the most sense for them and their kids.

Do you want your kid's guests to want to return for the next birthday? If so, feed them. Goodness.

These cheap people will call a new bunch of people next year. Watch how they behave when they go to other people's home where food is served. They eat as if there is no tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm surprised by the amount of folks on here who cannot plan ahead and eat a quick pb sandwich before or after a party which is for children.

They can. This isn't about people who can't plan ahead. It's about hosts who don't provide the bare minimum at a supposed "party" that nobody forced them to throw.

I actually think this is about guests who can't be particularly appreciative or gracious that someone invited them to a party that wasn't exactly the same way they would have done it. Guess what? Throw your own darn party. Do it they way you want. But don't criticize others for doing it the way that makes the most sense for them and their kids.

Exactly. Please make clear that there should be no presents, if you are not serving food. Buy your kid toys from your own money. We are not getting a tax deduction by giving charity to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you should only expect snacks at a kid's party, for the kids. Parents don't need any special food or drinks. The party is for the kids and kids don't need or want big meals at a party.

Unless it is a drop off party, you should feed everyone. What is wrong with you guys? How broke are you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The thing that I find so interesting about this thread is this. Of the approximately 80 parties I've attended with my kids, my observation is that the kids could care less about the food. They just want the venue, activity and playtime. When food is served, the parents spend the half hour nagging their kids to eat when all the kids want to do is continue playing. And, despite the fact that the kis eat very little, I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen kids meltdown during parties - and most of the time it was the birthday kid. So I have a hard time seeing the lack of a meal as being a substandard host for a kid party.

You are one of those people who do not serve food.

I have always served food. And I have always seen people eat their fill. No one says "No" to food, when food is served.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't mind if hosts don't feed me when I attend a bday party with my child. It's a child's party, for the children. Just like I sit and wait whenever I take my DC somewhere (swimming lesson, soccer, whatever), I"m not expecting to be entertained or fed. It's about the kids, not me. The hosts don't need to cater to my every whim. What's next? "Hosts, I"m cold. Did you bring me an extra sweater? Did you bring extra socks for me to go on the bounce house?" By hosting a bday party for your child, you are not committing to meeting every need of childlike adults who may be in attendance w/ their children. Just my two cents.

Ugh. You do not serve food. Don't make excuses.

[Anonymous]

We are Indians. We will always have food for everyone at any party. We will have enough food to even pack leftovers for you.

I cannot fathom the poverty of hospitality I encounter here. There is no excuse to be a poor host. It is much better to not have a party for your child. The world does not owe your kid presents. You do. So, don't have a party, but buy your kid presents from the money you would have sprung for the cake.

[Anonymous]

If the party is not at meal times, snacks are fine so long as the invitation is clear. Why would you expect a meal mid afternoon whether it is a party, play date, etc.?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the party is not at meal times, snacks are fine so long as the invitation is clear. Why would you expect a meal mid afternoon whether it is a party, play date, etc.?

Snacks are fine if it is made clear. It should also be made clear if the party is a drop off. And if it is not, or someone chooses to stay back, snacks and beverages should be offered to them as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are Indians. We will always have food for everyone at any party. We will have enough food to even pack leftovers for you.

I cannot fathom the poverty of hospitality I encounter here. There is no excuse to be a poor host. It is much better to not have a party for your child. The world does not owe your kid presents. You do. So, don't have a party, but buy your kid presents from the money you would have sprung for the cake.

I am German and also raised in rural US and agree with you. This is the first city I've lived where hospitality does not automatically = food.

I find it helpful when something is mentioned on the invitation, like "please join us for pizza and cupcakes" or "we will be serving light snacks." We were even once invited to a goldfish cracker buffet. But I liked that they said it right on the invitation so then we knew what to plan for. "Birthday party" is too generic a term for a gathering with so many possibilities, so why not tell your guests what kind of party it will be?