Having both adults and children at a party can be a challenge; it’s essential to keep everyone happy, while also managing different tastes and needs. Serving food while catering to a variety of guests can be difficult, but with a bit of understanding and planning, it’s entirely possible to do. So, what do you serve grown ups at a kids party? We’ll break it down for you step-by-step here!
Understanding Adult Palates
When it comes to adults, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what to serve at a kids party. Adults have more sophisticated palates than children, so it’s important to provide food that is flavorful and caters to the tastes and preferences of your adult guests. Consider the type of cuisine, whether spicy food will be offered and choose dishes with a certain level of sophistication that will give your adult guests something special.
When selecting food for adults, it is important to consider dietary restrictions and allergies. Make sure to provide options for those with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes. Additionally, it is important to provide a variety of flavors and textures to keep your adult guests interested and engaged. Consider adding a few unique dishes to the menu that will surprise and delight your guests.
Considerations for Adult Party Food
When planning food for grown-ups at a kids party, it’s important to think about the dietary needs of your guests. Provide vegetarian and vegan options if possible, and be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities. Also consider portion sizes; it’s likely that adults will want larger portions than the children. And don’t forget to factor in how much time you’ll have to prepare and serve the food.
Ideas for Appetizers and Snacks
Appetizers and snacks are an excellent way to kick off the meal for grown ups at a kids party. There are a variety of options that can suit adult tastes; think about serving smaller portions of regular favorites like mini quiche or bite-sized sandwiches, as well as gourmet snacks like cheese balls, crackers and artisanal meats. Think about adding an international element to the appetizers by incorporating flavors from around the world. If you’re short on time, dips like hummus and guacamole are always crowd pleasers.
Main Dishes for Adults at a Kids Party
For the main course, consider serving a more gourmet version of classic family favorites. Chances are, adults will love having a bit of comfort food. Serve up dishes like grilled steak, roasted vegetables and dishes with an interesting twist like curry or tacos with a variety of toppings. Soups, stews and slow cooker recipes are always welcome too!
Dessert Options for Grown Ups
For dessert, grown ups at a kids party will likely appreciate something a little more sophisticated than the regular sugary treats that children go for. Think about mini fruit tarts or individual cheesecakes. If you’re baking your own desserts, you could try making classic desserts with a modern twist. Could serve up mini pies or macarons with different fillings. There are also various store-bought options for desserts that can cater to adults’ tastes such as Italian panettone or mince pies.
Drinks for Grown Ups at a Kids Party
You can also provide adults with drinks at a kids party. Nonalcoholic punch bowls and homemade juices are great nonalcoholic options while providing adults with beer or wine is an easy way to satisfy the grown ups. If you’d rather provide virgin cocktails, use cold brew coffee instead of classic cocktails as adults tend to appreciate the unique flavors more.
Tips for Serving Adults at a Kids Party
Catering for adults at a kids party can be tricky, but here are some tips to keep in mind: prepare foods that can easily be eaten standing up or on the move (as adults will likely want to mingle), keep an eye on portion sizes (research suggests that adults want larger portions than young kids), and make sure there is something special to make the grown ups feel welcome and appreciated.
Resources for Planning a Kid-Friendly Party with Adult Guests
Planning a kid-friendly party with adult guests doesn’t have to be hard! There are plenty of resources out there that can help you make sure everyone is catered for (and having fun!). Websites like TasteWithTheEyes.com offer recipes specifically designed for kids parties, and Pinterest is full of fun ideas for decorations, activities and kid-friendly foods. You could also seek advice from your friends or family members who have already experienced planning this type of event.
With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to create a menu of delicious dishes that will satisfy both grown ups and children at your next party. Just remember – keep it simple, make sure there’s something special for the grown ups and pay attention to dietary needs so that everyone can enjoy the same foods.
