Birthday Party Ideas

Kiddie Party

Lots of sugar, no spice and everything that's what children's birthday bashes are made of. Cocktail sausages on sticks, gingerbread biscuits, cheesy burgers, tempting pizzas, noodles and maybe the all-time favorite ice creams.There's more: buttered popcorn, cakes that ooze chocolate and cream, orange squash, unlimited fizzy drinks, super-thick vanilla and chocolate shakes.

It is best to define a children's party menu by the age-group that is being catered for. For children between 2-6 years, finger foods are the best. These include foods that will not cause choking and are not too hard to chew. Go for cocktail sausages, cheese straws, baby carrots and chopped fruits such as apples served with sauces or dips. Sandwiches are avoidable for this age-group.

The menus for children between 6-8 years can be more adventurous. The menu include gingerbread men, mini pizzas, small pastries, vegetable cutlets and sandwiches. Make the sandwiches with jam, cheese and use a biscuit cutter to shape them into circles, stars, triangles and squares. Or, serve triangular sandwiches laid out in a star-shaped arrangement. To do this, place the sandwiches in a circle with points facing towards the edges of the tray.

Children between the ages of 8-14 are "hungry children", and thus the menu must get more expansive and substantial. It's time to serve Chinese dishes such as noodles, sweet and sour vegetables, vegetable Manchurian, bakes, pizzas, macaroni and cheese, salads and sandwiches stuffed mushroom and cream.

Nowadays theme parties have become very popular. The theme for the party usually decides the type of food that is served. For children between 6-8 years Barbie, Spiderman, Harry Potter and the Loony Toons are the reigning heroes. Cakes are shaped to look like the cartoon characters of choice. Biscuits and savories shaped like Harry Potter's wand are always a hit. For children between 2-6 years cakes shaped like caterpillars, trains, teddy bears, chocolate huts are sure to make them squeal with delight.

For teenagers, innovations come by way of a build-your-own birthday cupcake bar. Set the unfrosted cupcakes along with bowls filled with different types of icing such as chocolate or vanilla. Serve garnishes such as chocolate chips, coconut shavings, cake sprinkles including gems, chopped nuts and candied fruit. Let the kids create their own masterpieces. Other options for desserts include ice-cream cakes, strawberries dipped in chocolate, custards and puddings. While the ice-cream cakes take care of both the cake and the ice-cream in one shot, the fruity treat looks and tastes great. To make strawberries dipped in chocolate, begin by heating either white or dark chocolate in a pan of water. Taking 1 strawberry at a time, dip the fruit (with stems still attached) into the chocolate. Lay it on a waxed paper to cool.

Drinks are just as important as the munchies. Plan on at least 2 drinks per child. Some ideas for kid-pleasing drinks go from bubbly drinks to colored sherbet. A fruity drink can be prepared by pouring orange, apple or grape juice into the glass and adding fresh strawberries, fresh or canned peaches to it. However, one should be prepared for some leftovers as a lot of children will be fussy eaters. Use these leftovers for some great snacks the day after. Importantly, everything should be ready-to serve before the children begin to troupe in so that the parents can enjoy with the children.

Children's parties are all about games, prizes, return presents, streamers, balloons and most of all, the goodies that go around. So go ahead and give them the treat of their lives.

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