Hostesses With The Mostest > Entertaining and Hospitality
1st birthday party menu / general help
saffron:
Hi E-Hellions!
My little girl is turning one soon and we're having a party. We don't have any family close by so it is a 'friends' party.
I have never really hosted a big party. But since you are all so helpful I thought I would run through my menu / party ideas with you and see if anyone has any suggestions.
We're looking at about 15 little kids plus 1-2 parents / child as well as a few close neighbors. (I know its a lot but we really can't cut anyone out. She has a few different playgroups and has been attending parties all year. Most of these people know each other.)
So 15 toddlers + 30 ish adults. and about 3-4 older kids.
1- I have rented my neighborhood clubhouse. It has a kitchen and a decent sized room. There is also an outdoor patio area.
2- Party is from 12:00-2:30. (In between naps for my circle of friends - but yes, over lunchtime.)
3- I have hired my kindermusik teacher to come and lead a class (about 45 mins - not sure what time yet - but I'm thinking around 12:45)
4- I will be bringing toys to keep the kids occupied.
5- The 'theme' is rainbow/colors
Menu: (suggestions here are most appreciated!)
- sandwich platter (30 sandwiches on small buns) - chicken salad / tuna salad - from grocery store.
- wrap platter (serves 12-15) - turkey/havarti and roast beef/ cheddar - from grocery store
- cheese platter (serves 15) - cubed cheese assortment with a few grapes - from grocery store
- pumpernickel/ sourdough bread and spinach dip (serves 16-18) from grocery store
- hummus
- veggie tray - make at home will be a veggie rainbow (anyone know of any blue/purple veggies?)
- fruit tray - make at home will be a fruit rainbow
- animal crackers
- puffs
- rainbow goldfish crackers
- salsa
- blue corn chips
- cake (is a costco cake going to be too much? it's either that or an 8 inch layer cake w/ cupcakes on the side)
- ice cream (blue bell individual cups)
- beer (stella)
- soft drinks (coke / coke zero / sprite)
- water (bottled)
- juice (apple / ??)
too much food? not enough food? is the variety OK?
Also: loot bags - for the little kids - crayons / bubbles / cookie / stickers
any suggestions for a couple of 9 year olds (one boy and one girl)? an 11 year old girl and a 13 year old girl?
Last question: Is it rude if we don't open gifts at the party? I don't want the munchkin to get overwhelmed and I don't want people to get bored watching a gift opening - but I also don't want to seem unappreciative of the gifts she might receive.
Thanks - I'm probably over-thinking it - but I'm a little nervous and just want people to come and have a good time.
hannahmollysmom:
We had my granddaughter's first birthday party yesterday. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and fruits. (Grandbaby loves watermelon.)
We ate 1/2 hour after the party started to allow for late arrivals. We then did the presents, with parents helping so it didn't last too long. I think guests like to see the gifts. The baby held the card while Mom opened the gift and then showed it to her.
We had cake (little cake for the babe, and cupcakes and ice cream for everyone else), after the presents.
It was enjoyable, and no babies got overwhelmed, and the older kids enjoyed it too.
MOM21SON:
It sounds like a lot to me. What are puffs?
Zilla:
--- Quote from: saffron on June 10, 2012, 04:41:25 PM ---Hi E-Hellions!
So 15 toddlers + 30 ish adults. and about 3-4 older kids.
2- Party is from 12:00-2:30. (In between naps for my circle of friends - but yes, over lunchtime.)
Menu: (suggestions here are most appreciated!)
- sandwich platter (12-15 sandwiches on small buns) - chicken salad / tuna salad - from grocery store. (Are you able to keep these cold for the mayo in it? i would put these on ice if possible. Since you are getting them from the grocery store, you can use the lid on these, fill with ice and set the platter on top.)
- wrap platter (serves 12-15) - turkey/havarti and roast beef/ cheddar - from grocery store (I would actually decrease the sandwich platter and up this platter to 30, this would be more popular with the adults)
- cheese platter (serves 15) - cubed cheese assortment with a few grapes - from grocery store (this I could see the kids eating mostly from, as the grocery store to put more grapes on this.)
- pumpernickel/ sourdough bread and spinach dip (serves 16-18) from grocery store (This seems extra, with all the stuff you have below)
- hummus
- veggie tray - make at home will be a veggie rainbow (anyone know of any blue/purple veggies?) (cooked purple potatoes?)
- fruit tray - make at home will be a fruit rainbow
- animal crackers
- puffs
- rainbow goldfish crackers
- salsa
- blue corn chips
- cake (is a costco cake going to be too much? it's either that or an 8 inch layer cake w/ cupcakes on the side) (If you can find them, they sell mini cupcakes or 2 bites cupcakes at the grocery store/bakery. Perfect size for kids and cleaner. :) And regular sized for the adults. Plus no need to cut and serve, plates and utensils)
- ice cream (blue bell individual cups)
- beer (stella)
- soft drinks (coke / coke zero / sprite)
- water (bottled)
- juice (apple / ??)
--- End quote ---
I put my comments in bold. I think it sounds like a fantastic party.
QueenofAllThings:
I think you are perfectly find reserving presents for later. She's only one - it would be difficult to hold her, and everyone else's, attention.
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