Birthday Party Food Question

One option is to ask them to bring lunch because of allergies and provide dessert ie ice cream sandwiches perhaps and goodie bags.

I agree with the others that it will be hard not to do lunch since you got the 11:15 slot. You want the kids to stay longer than 45 minutes.... Some ideas:

-Chicken Nugget Happy meals w/fries and a juice. (might cost $35. but how easy and they get a prize!)
-Hot dogs and chips
-The popcorn chicken at Wal-Mart is actually very good and can feed a couple kids per small container.

Or if you just want snack foods:
-Popcorn
-Pretzels
-Chips
-Fruit Snacks

:)

Hummm. If you are doing cake and icecream, who says you have to serve lunch too. If you do not planning on serving lunch, then just state on the invitation, "cake and ice-cream to be served". That will let the parents know that their children will be eating a "late lunch". Not a big deal. I have been to a couple of parties held during this time. The kids were fine and no one had a fit because lunch wan't served. You are planning the party. If someone is upset because you are not serving lunch, then they probably won't come to the party.

What about some simple sandwiches cut into triangles (egg salad, tuna fish, or variety for those allergic) and some fruit (grapes are easy, etc) and ants on a log are fun and easy (celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins in it).

Maybe sandwiches? The grocery stores have some delicious sandwich trays with a variety of sandwiches. Then add some chips and veggies/ fruit and you are good to go!

I would have a fruit and veggie tray available, maybe some crackers and cheese? That way you have simple finger foods to munch on, and should have something in the mix that is ok for the allergy ridden. I would get a super size bag of string cheese. They are individually wrapped, so won't get dried up like sliced cheese has a tendency to do. Keep them in a bucket of cool or iced water and they will be firm and cold. You can take whats left over home. Another thought is to make some yogurt fruit parfaits. This is pretty easy to pull together right there on the location, with some helping hands. You could make pinwheels with wraps, turkey and cream cheese, (or whatever) then slice into rounds. You would want to avoid double dipping, so make sure to have serving spoons in anything that should be put onto a plate. Have an adult to supervise the food line and guide the guests as they fill their plate. Have fun!

Sandwiches may be good choice. Peanut butter and jelly, just jelly, egg salad and tuna fish are pretty easy. If you have a theme to your party you can cut the sandwiches out with cookie cutters in a certain shape. Last year my three year old's party was dinosaurs so he had dinosaur pb&j sandwiches. With that you could serve chips, crackers, fruits and veggies. It doesn't have to be a lot since you will probably be following it with cake or some kind of treat.

You could do the precooked popcorn chicken. The bags are about $4 a piece, and then maybe a fruit/veggie tray. Easy clean-up, and not too much $$.

I have done fruit such as strawberries, watermelon slices and orange wedges. I have also done veggie platter, but it was hardly touched. If you do veggies, I would keep it to maybe 1 or 2 vegetables. Maybe a bowl of goldfish and another with pretzels or popcorn. All of that along with cake and ice cream will be fine. I have also done salami and cheese platter with crackers more for the adults.
Have fun!!!

Sandwiches are probably the easiest and best for kids with food allergies, though it still won't be perfect for everyone. The best way to do it is to have everything separate and let people build their own sandwiches. Also, if it's possible to get an ingredient list from whoever sells you the sandwiches, that would really help the parents, as some lunch meat and bread still may not be appropriate.

My son has a lot of food allergies (dairy, eggs, most nuts) and I always bring his food with me to parties. If it turns out he can eat what is served, I let him, but more often than not I have to give him what we brought from home. Without ingredients, I never know when there is dairy, which can be in some lunch meats and breads.

Have simple side dishes like fruit, veggies and chips (bring the bag) so kids with allergies can eat that for sure.

Have fun and thank you for thinking of the kids with allergies!!!

K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao

I would make up a sandwich tray, keeping in mind what the children's allergies that are coming. If one of the allergies is wheat than have some with wheat free bread or rice cakes. Have a variety and cut them in 4 pieces. Have some chips and cut up apples too.

My daughter would love the veggies.

Another idea - which was great someone did was cheese sandwiches - cream cheese with sliced cheese - it was a great idea stuck together. Also hummus is good for dipping.

I'd keep to some good healthy snacks, veggies, fruit, crackers, maybe some Pirate Booty, sliced cheese and crackers. If you are looking for creative ideas check out Family Fun website - they have some healthy stuff to make. There is a red pepper feta dip that is a real success at playdates for my kids. Also an arrangement of veggies that is like a flower.

Good luck!

There are some great ideas. I have a daughter with a serious peanut allergy, so to be safe find out what food allergies you need to avoid. I know with peanuts, just being around it isnt a good idea (someone can have had something with peanutbutter and accidentally touch this child or something this child wil touch and still cause a reaction). Also with peanut allergies be really careful about chocolate candy. Another thing to keep in mind keep the "allergy friendly" food away from the normal stuff (on a different plate or container). They do have "Almond Butter" which is peanutbutter with almonds instead and it is good. Sorry this turned out longer than intended,I hope I didnt scare you. Have a great party!!

Updated

There are some great ideas. I have a daughter with a serious peanut allergy, so to be safe find out what food allergies you need to avoid. I know with peanuts, just being around it isnt a good idea (someone can have had something with peanutbutter and accidentally touch this child or something this child wil touch and still cause a reaction). Also with peanut allergies be really careful about chocolate candy. Another thing to keep in mind keep the "allergy friendly" food away from the normal stuff (on a different plate or container). They do have "Almond Butter" which is peanutbutter with almonds instead and it is good. Sorry this turned out longer than intended,I hope I didnt scare you. Have a great party!!

I was thinking fruit and veggie platter - pretty simple and easy with less chance of messing with food allergies.

My kids usually pick snack platters for their birthday. Cut veggies, carrots, peanut butter celery, fresh snap peas and then fruit apples, oranges, grapes etc. We will add cheese and crackers as well. This is usually inexpensive and healthy for the entire bunch. Kid and adults alike. I have added mini-muffins of my kids choice and goldfish and pretzels.

You said you were trying to NOT feed everyone lunch, but that's not fair since you are stuck with a lunchtime slot. Either change to a different date when you can get a time slot that is not during lunch, or change locations. Otherwise, you need to feed them lunch. Do you know of specific kids you are inviting that are allergic to pizza???? If not, pizza if your best bet-- it's served at most of the bday parties I have ever been to. Actually, other than hot dogs, I can't think of another lunch item ever served at a children's bday party I've ever been to! The only exception was when it was at a park or house and they had a big homemade spread of BBQ, chips, and side dishes.