Regardless of food offered, my kid is always too excited at parties to eat anything except maybe a mouthful of cake. So I always just prepare for her to eat ahead of time or afterwards. Food offered at the party is a bonus, certainly not required.

I think because the party places all serve pizza regardless of party time that people now just expect it

There was a similar discussion recently here:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/608029.page

As I recall, everybody felt strongly, but couldn't agree. Seems like about half felt that cake was the only required food and that to expect more was greedy and rude, while the other half felt that serving a meal (like pizza) was expected and that not doing it was cheap and rude.

For the record, I'm in the camp that says cake is necessary, a meal (assuming it's not meal time) is not.

No. I would not expect it.

Anonymous wrote:If there is a party, I am expecting substantive food. If it is a typical meal time, I expect a typical meal. If it is not a meal time, I expect heavy appetizers. I also expect cake.

I expect a $50 gift for my child from you.

If there is a party, I am expecting substantive food. If it is a typical meal time, I expect a typical meal. If it is not a meal time, I expect heavy appetizers. I also expect cake.

Hmm good question. We always serve a meal regardless of time. Like, our last party was at 3pm with no set end time, and we set out plenty of nibbles, yet when the pizza came at 4:30 everybody chowed down big time!

Anonymous wrote:I would expect it to be right after lunch.

Same. Especially with kids who eat at like 11:30 or sometimes 11:00...

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you do is fine, just tell guests what that is on the invitation so they can plan accordingly.

This. And FFS, don't call them "nibbles."

I would expect it to be right after lunch.

I'd probably put out tea sandwiches, chicken fingers or something of the sort in case some children haven't eaten lunch. But -- I think it's fine if you don't do this as long as you indicate on invite "light snacks and cupcakes will be served" so parents are aware to feed their children before-hand.

Depends. If you are a WASP, I expect some pretzels and maybe a few water bottles. If you are the same ethnicity is me, I expect a huge spread.

Whatever you do is fine, just tell guests what that is on the invitation so they can plan accordingly.

No I wouldn't expect a full lunch. Cake and nibbles would be fine.

I think cake and nibbles are fine. DH thinks we should order pizzas. We always have soooo much leftover!

BTW entertainers are coming at 1:30 for 45 mins.