I have a party planned for my son's birthday at The Little Gym next month. Is it ok to just serve cake and ice cream? Seems like most parties now-days have pizza or some other type of meal. I usually have food if the party is at my house and time is not a factor. Do you think it's "politically incorrect" (for lack of a better term) or cheap if only cake, ice cream, and juice are served? Do you expect to be fed at these type of parties?
I think that we need to move beyond extravagant parties and back to good old fashion simplicity. This need to spend hundreds upon hundreds on bday parties is absolutely ridiculous, and wasteful.
Just serve cake and ice cream.
Agreed that as long as it's a time in-between meals (the best party time is usually 2-4), then just having cake and ice cream is really all the kids would want...well unless you had more sweets. ha!
It depends if you have the party at noon or 2pm. If at noon I think ppl expect lunch but middle of the afternoon cake, ice creams and light snacks is o.k.
When my kids go to another child's party around noon time, lunch is always served, but as the adult I don't expect to be fed =-)
I think it is fine. It is a birthday party. :-) Try and schedule the event before or after meal time. I don't think other food is required and I don't think you are being cheap. Plus you really have only a scheduled amount of time anyhow, so that is fine.
We are also doing a Little Gym party and I am only doing cake/ice cream and water.
My 2 cents....just serve the cake and ice cream like you had planned and try NOT to feel any pressure to do more. We've gone to several parties where cake and ice cream was served...no biggie!
I've always thought that children bday parties have gotten totally out of hand with everything involved (food/activity/goodie bags).
What happened to the old-fashioned party where the bday child received a small token of a gift and attendees received cake and ice cream, simple as that....done.
good luck -
K. W.
Ice cream and cake is ok. I would serve light snacks like chips and dip, veggies and dip, fruit platter, apples and caramel dip, cheese and crackerrs ...you get the picture. Pizza is ok, but only if you want to spend the money.
i was just having this discussion with my boyfriend today! i think it really depends on the time of day of the party. if its around lunch time, id say have pizza or hot dogs, otherwise its not a big deal. if you think some children might be used to eating at the time of the party, just let parents know that lunch wont be served.
i dont expect anything like being fed from parties. i used to work at kids party places. one place we had an option for ordering food for the parents (salads, bagels ,etc) and most of the time the parents didn't order anything.
same thing with chuck e cheese, i noticed that most parties the parents didnt eat, and also the kids most of the time didnt eat the pizza (either not hungry enough or too excited).
dont worry, have fun!
absolutely go with cake and ice cream only. even if a party is at a 'meal time' (and those vary from family to family) i think it's fine so long as you let everyone know so they can bring snacks or have their own meal early. children's parties are not supposed to be expensive and a burden.
khairete
S.
I actually just had a party at the Little Gym this past weeekend. It was cake and ice cream only. It was from 5:00-6:30 and I didn't serve dinner, though I did have a few snacks and drinks on hand for the parents. I know some people think that is a big faux pas, but I did make it clear to everyone ahead of time so I felt that was acceptable. In hindsight, I'm glad we didn't serve food. The kids got 1 hour of gym time and 30 minutes of party room time (cake and presents). For this particular party, I really can't imagine adding food to the mix. I think we would have gone past our alloted time and/or felt too rushed. Have fun!
I would put something like "Due to time constraints, we will only be serving cake, ice cream, and water" (or any other drink) on the invitations so everyone knows. I never assume something will be served, but it is common. I think the invitation should say if it will or not.
I think if the party is during a mealtime that you need to serve a meal for the kids (not the adults). But if it is between meals, then cake and ice cream is fine!
Cake & Ice cream is definately ok. Especially at places like gymboree, my gym, little gym etc. You are not even allowed most of the time to bring in outside food and they stuff they order is expensive and like you said, not enough time!!! So don't stress over it! :)
have fun,
pammy
I think it all depends upon the time of the party. If you are set for 12 Noon then, yes, people are going to expect lunch. I think if it's earlier or later, you can absolutely get away with cake and ice cream. The only other thing I would consider is having bottled water or something other than juice for the adults (if you have asked them to stick around and watch their little ones). You are fine. Don't let other people or what they think stress you out. I know it's hard but this is about your kid, not keeping up with the Joneses!
I think it's perfectly ok to only have cake. You may want to have some snacks at hand so people can munch before you get to cake (pretzals, goldfish crackers, etc.) and also drinks (water bottles, juice boxes).
Good luck with your party!
Cake and Ice Cream is what birthday parties Used to be made of!! I remember that my mom invited my whole first grade class, and we just ran around in the yard rampant for a couple of hours. My how things have changed.
I think noting it on the invitation is a great idea. Then parents know what to expect.
perfect! no need to do more, the kids hardly want to take a moment for food when there is play to be done. Why waste valuable gym time on eating?????
If you are worried, inform the guests on the invite of what will be served and then no one will be surprised and can prepare for that.
Cake and ice cream is fine. I would put on the invitation - join us at the Little Gym for some fun and cake and ice cream (something like that) and then everyone will be clear on what to expect for food and you won't feel like you haven't done enough. The only reason I say to mention it is we went to a party at lunch time - 11-1 - and we all assumed there would be something besides cake and ice cream for the kids because it was lunch time.
I've had 2 of my daughter's birthday parties at the Little Gym - we have never had pizza! I don't believe anyone would anticipate pizza unless it is at lunch time. There is so much fun going on at the Little Gym, I don't think they think about it! When they go into the party room, they are so hot and worked up, cake and ice cream is just fine!
Depending on the time of your sons party I see nothing wrong with it.. If it starts at noonish (lunch time) or 5-6ish (dinner time) I would have a little something to eat as well.. most people will put on the invitation if the intend to serve more than cake and ice cream at the party. Plus if the your guest want more than they can go to the refreshment stand if the place has one.
