Picky Palettes

Planning Food for Kid's Parties

Even for a veteran party planner, pleasing the palettes of the preschool set is a daunting task. How do you provide party nibbles that are easy, tasty, and (gasp!) even healthy? Follow these tips for full bellies and empty platters at your next kids sized shindig.

Tip 1:

Remember that kids don't eat much at a party.

Unless the party has a food theme, the birthday boy and his many guests will likely be totally engrossed in games, crafts or other activities. Food will likely be last on their list. For a party that's not at mealtime, plan on five to six kid-sized hors d'oeuvres per kid. Then keep some pantry items like trail mix, crackers and cheese, or sliced apples on hand to fill in if need be.

Tip 2:

Get kids involved.

Veteran parents know that kids are much more likely to eat their food if they have a hand in creating it. So at a lunch or dinnertime party, turn mealtime into an art project with a 'make your own sandwich' event. Provide kid-sized pizza crusts, tomato sauce and a variety of healthy toppings. Arrange lean cold cuts, veggies and condiments for submarine sandwich artists to make their own hoagie. Provide a variety of wraps and fillings - from honey, bananas, peanut butter, cream cheese and raisins to lettuce, tomato, turkey and cheese. You'll be amazed at how quickly guests devour their masterpiece.

Tip 3:

Plan for lots of beverages.

If kids are playing hard, expect them to drink two drinks per child. Especially if your party is outside or during the summer, you'll want to plan to have extra beverages on hand. If you're serving drinks in cups, consider personalizing them - you'll avoid having to provide multiple cups per child.

Tip 4:

Put it on a stick.

Somehow, food is much for interesting if it's unusual. Take kabobs and spear small fruit or cubes of cheese. Take ham or turkey, cheese or pickle cubes on a skewer.

Tip 5:

Dip it.

From toddler-hood on, kids love to dip. Whether it's ketchup, chocolate, marshmallow fluff or cream cheese dip, kids love any excuse to dip fruit, vegetables or bread in a sauce. Consider offering mini cups of melted chocolate for a personal chocolate fondue. You can even add peanut butter or marshmallow for a flavorful twist. Make sure to provide lots of tasty fruit for dipping.

Three Great Party Recipes

Waffle Sandwiches

Fill miniature waffles with a fruit flavored cream cheese and fresh fruit. Top with another waffle.

Ham and Cheese Triangles

Spread shredded cheese and ham on a tortilla. Add green onions or mayonnaise to taste. Fold over, and heat in microwave or in non-stick pan on stove top. Cut into small triangles.

Pretty Parfaits

Provide a selection of fresh fruit, marshmallows yogurt and fruit flavored mousse. Allow kids to layer their own parfaits in glass or clear plastic cups.