I am bringing strawberries that I will cut up in advance and put in little muffin cups. No plates are needed, just napkins. Each child gets a cookie and a muffin cup of strawberries.

Ask the teachers about that, especially if there are allergies or dietary restrictions. Have some sort of protein as well, i.e. some cheese or maybe some hummus to dip carrots or bell pepper strips in. Also, double check with the teachers, some schools still don't allow grapes unless they are cut in half for preschoolers since they are still a choking risk.

I'd also suggest buying water instead of, or in addition to, juice - or at least make sure there are paper cups that can be filled with water at the school. Juice plus cupcakes is a lot of sugar. Plus, you'll get kids like mine that refuse to drink it even if offered and would prefer water.

Our class signup sheet included: Cheese, Crackers, Fruit, Veggies, Cookies, Water/Juice

This is my first time as a room parent and I am helping to organize DC's class Valentine's Day party. I am in charge of food for the party. I plan to get juice boxes, some kind of sweet (like cookies or cupcakes), and I'd also like to have some non-sugary options like grapes or baby carrots with dip. How would I serve all of this? Do I make a plate for each child before the party starts so that I can pass them out quickly during the party? Or do I set up the food as a buffet someplace in the classroom and the kids make their own plates? Please help this clueless but well-intentioned mom - thanks.