When planning a party for kids, it goes without saying that they're certain to get hungry. However, because they're so busy enjoying themselves, they'll want foods that are easy to pick up and eat without creating a mess or distracting them from the party activities. In general, avoid creating kabobs, as the toothpicks or skewers may be overlooked and can damage a child's mouth or gums. Keep in mind the developmental age of the children attending as well, because foods that present choking hazards, such as grapes, aren't appropriate for very young party guests.
Pinwheel Sandwiches
If you're tired of the mundane tea sandwich, present them in a whole new way. Pinwheel sandwiches feature the usual ingredients, such as ham, cream cheese, or peanut butter and jelly. However, they are wrapped up and sliced to mimic the appearance of pinwheels on the plate. Check with guests about any nut allergies, as many breads are baked in facilities that process nuts.
To make the sandwiches, cut an unsliced loaf of sandwich bread horizontally, and add the fillings you prefer. Wrap the sandwich from one end to create a log of sandwich. Cover it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a few hours to make slicing easier. Remove the sandwich logs from the refrigerator just before the party, and slice to create the pinwheels.
Samosa and Gyoza
If your kids don't mind a little spice, add some ethnic flair to the party by introducing appetizers from the Far East. Samosas originate in India and are a favorite appetizer for many kids who have tried them before. They are similar to gyozas, which are Japanese in origin. Both are pockets of vegetables that can vary according to your preference or a mix of vegetables and meat. Gyozas are pan fried and steamed, and samosas are deep fried. They are easy to pick up and eat as well as very flavorful. Unless you have the appropriate spices in your home, consider ordering this specialty dish from a restaurant. Include dipping sauces to add even more flavor variety.
Portable
If you need to transport the food to a park or party site, including a few finger foods that are prepackaged can ease party food logistics. Yogurt in a plastic tube is relatively healthy and travels easily, as the tubing prevents spills. Similarly, string cheese or cheese sticks come in packaging that makes them relatively mess-free to eat. Also consider fruit options that come in their own natural packages, such as bananas, oranges or apples.
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