Children and Catered Parties: Getting the Right Mix in the Menu

Let’s face it – planning the menu for a kids’ party will be different than for an adult-centric party, such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. You have to take into account the dietary preferences of the kids more than the adults, thus, your decision to hire KFC for your catering needs instead of your usual gourmet caterer. You should also consider the following factors to get the right mix of food and drinks for the kids, as well as make the adults happy with the selection, too.

Figure Out the Time

Your first step is to figure out the time for the party since it will affect the types of food and drinks on the buffet table. In most kids’ parties, there are two ideal time blocks – lunch time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with possible extension until 6 p.m. You have to consider that kids will likely not appreciate an early breakfast party or a late night party because of their biological clocks.

If it’s a lunchtime party, be sure to include heavier fare since the kids will be hungry as well as require the nourishment for the activities including the games afterwards. Your best choices include fried chicken, chicken tenders, spaghetti, French fries, and hamburgers as well as several types of sides, such as when KFC is your preferred caterer.

If it’s an afternoon party, you can go for a lighter fare, such as sandwiches, hamburgers, and hotdogs with several choices in healthy beverages like fresh fruit juices. You have to remember that the kids will also appreciate satisfying meals so as to have energy for the games ahead, too.

Factor in the Kids’ Dietary Restrictions

Yet another crucial factor to consider is the possible dietary restrictions many kids have in their lives. You may want to ask the parents about these dietary restrictions in the invitations or call them to discuss the matter. You will obviously be unable to consider all dietary restrictions but you can include a few gluten-free, dairy-free, and peanut-free food on the menu.

You may also ask the caterer to place appropriate labels on the food and drinks, such as the basic ingredients, so as to inform the parents about them. You can also instruct the servers at the buffet table about informing the kids and parents about the possible allergens in the food, in case they ask about the matter.  

As a good host, your main responsibility is to ensure that, indeed, the food and drinks are not only delicious but are also safe to consume for the kids and parents – and it starts with the right menu planning!