Foods to Serve the Adults at a 3-Year-old's Party

Updated on March 07, 2013
E.S. asks from Hackettstown, NJ
22 answers

Hi all.

Thanks for your responses to my party favor question. Again, this is the first major birthday party we're having for my daughter so I'm kind of a "hostess" virgin to this :-)

We're having the party at an indoor playground. They are providing pizza and juice for the kids and the rest is up to the hosts, er, me and hubby.

The party is from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. so I'm thinking of bringing the following for the adults:
bagels/cream cheese/butter
COFFEE, soda
Fruit salad
A homemade artichoke dip/veggies/pita chips to dip.

Is this too much, too little?

There will be about 15 adults.

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Featured Answers

M.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

I think it sounds great but you could leave out the dip. Maybe have juice instead of soda. I like soda but prefer juice in the morning. It would be perfect for me to have a bagel with some fruit and a glass of juice.

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Honestly? i ghink its too much.
Just buy a few pizzas for the adults.
Or get a large sandwich ring and buy soda/water there.
I wouldn't bring all of that good from outside, especially if the place can provide the food/drink.

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More Answers

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

I wouldn't get anything extra! No wait....maybe soda and bottled water for the parents.
But truly....it's a kid party. If I go to a kid party I #1 - Don't expect to be fed. #2 - Would be floored if someone had "kid" food and "adult" food.
How are you going to keep the kids away from the adult food? Or what if the adults just want pizza?
You are having a child birthday. Have child friendly food and a good time!
L.

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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

At my son's 6th bday party a few years ago, we held it at an indoor gym/cheerleading facility that we had to ourselves and were allowed to bring in food from outside. I ordered pizza for the kids, but also had a sandwich tray from the deli and a greek salad and fruit for the adults. It was a 5 pm party and most of the parents were friends we have had for a few years through soccer. Many of the parents thanked me for having food for them, were grateful they didn't have to eat pizza...again. I think it is very thoughtful to provide what you are planning and most of the parents will appreciate it!

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R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I would want the pizza since you got me out of bed for a10:30 am party.

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R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd nix the dip and soda, serve juice instead.

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I would add some mini quiche (they have some really good ones pre-made) and fine to serve room temp. Otherwise your menu sounds great.

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S.S.

answers from Sacramento on

I wouldn't bother with the bagels, fruit salad or coffee. I would have simple finger foods like cheese and crackers, veggie sticks and dips, chips, and maybe some sweet slice. Nothing that needs cutlery. It's only for a couple of hours - the parents can last that long without a coffee or full meal.

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M.J.

answers from Memphis on

Too much. Coffee...yes! and a snackie. I like the bagels. Easy for you and gives more time to focus on the kiddos! have fun!

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B.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

They know it's a kid party and it's not at your house, so I'd just offer them pizza like the kids are having. Good to add soda and coffee, but they will eat pizza or not. I would not expect a separate menu myself under those circumstances.

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

Coffee and bagels, or just extra pizza and soda. I don't get why 12:00 is too early for pizza for adults.

Really, keep it simple and nothing that requires a fork or is messy. They'll be too busy making sure their kids are sitting, eating, wiping up spills, etc., etc.

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D.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Sounds fantastic. More than is required but will absolutely be appreciated.

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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I think your menu looks great. You've got something snacky for those parents who aren't really hungry but might want to munch, and something a bit more filling for those who are actually hungry. Since the party includes lunch time it's considerate to have food for the adults! What you've got on your menu is in line with what we've always provided for kids birthday parties, and what's been provided when we attend others.

The one thing I'd eliminate is the soda. Most parents don't want/need it, and it could cause tension if some kids are allowed to have it and others aren't.

FYI - you may find that a lot of the kids want the fruit salad too, so be prepared!

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P.K.

answers from New York on

Not sure people want to eat much that early. Bagels/cream cheese. Coffee. Or just do some muffins. Are you having a cake?

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E.B.

answers from Beaumont on

I would do simple finger sandwiches. Maybe 2 kinds.

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K.A.

answers from Phoenix on

Good call on not doing pizza for the adults that early. I think you could probably get away with donuts and coffee and maybe some juice, but I think your menu sounds really nice and you sound like a very considerate person!

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Most venues won't allow you to bring your own food in. And quite frankly, I never worried about feeding the adults at a kid's party. If there was food left after all the kids had been served, the adults were welcome to have some, but the party wasn't for the parents, and I expected adults to have sense enough to eat before coming, I always ate before bringing M'ija to a party - I didn't expect to be served food.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Keep it simple. Coffee, juice, and bagels should be plenty. No need for chips and dips.

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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

Coffee cakes or sweet rolls/donuts maybe hot water and tea bags. If you can think of something gluten free or gluten/dairy free would be really nice too.

Not everyone likes bagels, coffee or soda. Check with the health dept. in most places you can not take a homemade item to a public place. It has to come from a certified kitchen such as a deli or restaurant. Sometimes it is considered okay for a private party but not always.

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N.L.

answers from Tampa on

When we had the party for my (then) 2 yr old at an indoor bounce house, we were not allowed to bring in any outside food (other than the cake) so please do check on their policy. What we ended up doing was allowing the parents to order drinks/snacks from the counter while the kids were playing and ordered enough pizza, drinks, and fruit for both the kids and adults for lunch.

If they are allowing you to bring food in and the adults are going to just be standing around while the kids play, I would offer coffee, juice, and water along with the fruit and some veggie dip. Then have enough pizza and drinks for everyone afterward.

10:30 is late enough that people have an opportunity to eat breakfast before they leave. And 12:30 is late enough that I would consider offering adults lunch as well.

S.G.

answers from Grand Forks on

Are you sure they allow outside food? Any of the indoor venues I have been to that do provide food do not allow you to bring any outside food but the cake. They want you to buy from them.

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i think what you're suggesting sounds great.
when i accompanied my toddlers to toddler parties at playgrounds i always assumed my meals (and those of any other family members i brought) were up to me.
khairete
S.

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