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

This right here! Is the best solution. Do individual bags of chips rather that family style chips.
Costco does large sandwich platters, so I'd get everything at Costco.

Anonymous wrote:

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

This is always what is done.

Another vote for the sub tray. If you’re thinking they won’t all get eaten, I would bring a cooler and leave some sandwiches packed away so you can either refresh the tray as needed, or have leftovers for your family or to send home with guests. So in the spirit of not wasting food, just order subs that you like without dressing or spreads, and put the condiments on the side. If adults don’t want to eat or take a sub to go, more for you!

You are thoughtful, OP. I don’t know when it went out of vogue to feed guests, but some people get very up in arms on this board about their diets or not wanting to eat between meals. Nobody is forcing them, it’s a party!

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

This is always what is done.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You said mezze platter, cheese board, fruits, olives, jams, nuts..

That isn’t exactly the store bought ready made fruit and veggie trays.

If I went to a party that ended at 5, and they had a meal's worth of stuff, I'd eat a meal, be glad of it, and then not eat another meal before bed.

So, I'd be happy to see cheese and crackers, mezze, fruit and veggie, sandwiches whatever. I wouldn't expect it, but it would be a pleasant surprise.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all the input. I am incapable of not serving any food for the adults but I will go light on the offerings. I was already planning on having beverages.

Yeah, just have something light -- cheese and fruit and crackers is plenty. Most adults won't eat, but they will appreciate something to drink.

OP here. Thank you for all the input. I am incapable of not serving any food for the adults but I will go light on the offerings. I was already planning on having beverages.

Anonymous wrote: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.

+1000

We have gained our COVID 10 and do not need the temptation. But thanks for thinking of us.