Everyone who puts together a party or any type of event wants their event to be a success. Sometimes though things don’t go quite as you planned. One thing you are in control of is what food and how much food you plan for. If you are like me – we over compensate and have enough food for this party and the next and the next.
How do you realistically calculate how much food you should prepare or order?
First you must answer a number of questions as you design your party or event –
Is it a child’s party? How many kids and how many adults?
What time of day is your party?
How many people do you plan to entertain?
Will they be standing or sitting while they are eating?
Are your guests expecting a “meal”?
What time of year – summer, fall, winter, spring or a special holiday?
If you are having kids between the ages of 5-10 – food per child
1 hot dog or
1 hamburger or
2 slices of pizza or
1.5 tacos or
1 piece of chicken
If they are boys you might want to pad those numbers a little bit. In my experience – and I have 5 boys, as the boys get older you will want to double those numbers. Boys can eat!! – especially if it is at someone else’s house. Not quite sure how that works – but it always seems to be the case.
Kids age 12 and older, food wise – I consider them adults, because without fail they will eat as much as an adult! Food per kid –
1 hot dog and 1 hamburger
2 hamburgers
3-4 slices of pizza
2-4 tacos
2 pieces of chicken
Don’t forget to add in the adults that will be hanging out with you when you calculate how much food!
Buy and put out as needed chips and other snack foods! I have observed, most kids are “snackers”. I always throw a few healthy things on the table as well, some raw veggies with ranch dip and some cut up fruit. In between playing, the kids will be grazing at your food table or tables.
A few other tips – while kids will be playing and most likely have dirty hands
Put together individual servings of chips or other snack foods in small containers. Now the kids can take the individual containers and are not digging their dirty hands in to your bowl/bag of chips
Have a marker available and write their name on their container. When they leave them on a table they will know which one is theirs! Use your imagination – plastic cups, disposable bowls, small cups for dips, candy, veggies – this items are inexpensive, you can write on them! Be creative – no matter what your party budget! My go to shopping places for these items – Amazon, Walmart, Smart and Final, Target!
What tips do you have for food, when throwing a child’s birthday party?
How do you decide how many of each type of food you put out?
What types of food do you serve your child’s party?
