How to Plan a First Birthday Party Menu

Wondering how to plan a first birthday party menu? Not sure what food should you serve to adults and what is the appropriate menu for kids? Here are some key factors you should consider.

What kind of party will it be?

Are you planning a small gathering, high tea or a lavish lunch or dinner? If it’s going to be a small party, you’ll be able to handle the menu at home. Friends and family members can help you with food preparation. If it’s going to be a bigger party, plan a mix of takeaways and home-cooked food. If you want to have a large gathering, consider hosting the party at the party venue, with included catering.

Guest list

How many people are on the guest list? Will it be a small gathering with only friends and family members? Will you invite neighbors and close relatives? How many toddlers and babies will attend the party? What about teenagers? Having a guest list will make it easier to figure out the type and quantity of food for the baby’s first birthday party. Make sure to also plan for some unexpected guests.

Budget

Make sure that items on the menu fit your budget. If you want to save some money, consider a mix of homemade meals and ready-made dishes.

What kind of food to serve?

When making a menu, you should consider if the guests are going to be mostly adults or if there will also be kids. For babies, you should serve age-appropriate finger foods and solids. Make sure to include some of your baby’s favorite foods as well. For adults, choose options that work well for all age groups. You should also have several types of desserts and drinks. Make sure to double-check for food allergies and eating restrictions. If you’re planning a theme party, food should reflect the theme.

Food ideas

Appetizers and finger foods

• Fresh fruit: Create a mix of banana slices, grapes, berries and melon. For a fun twist, add cubes of cheddar or chunks of cream cheese.
• Veggie tray: Serve soft vegetables like steamed broccoli or cucumber sticks with delicious dip such as guacamole or hummus. Celery and carrot sticks are a great option for older children and adults.
• Cheese and crackers: Offer regular and grain-free crackers with several different cheeses (spicy pepper jack, smoked gouda, cheddar).
• Potato bites: Potato wedges, potato smileys or French fries seasoned with olive oil and herbs.
• Small sandwiches: Make sandwiches with bread and fillings like chicken salad, mashed potatoes with herbs or cream cheese and cucumber. Cut them into quarters (or some other interesting shapes), it will be easier for kids to hold them.

Savory foods

• Chicken favorites: Consider baked chicken tenders/wings or slow-cooked chicken in a flavorful sauce. All of these options go well with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
• Meat dishes: Mini meatloaves, meatballs, meat pies or a tray of lasagna are ideal for feeding a crowd.
• Taco bar: Set up a taco station with tortillas, chips, seasoned beef, shredded chicken, fresh veggies and several different toppings, like salsa, shredded cheese and sour cream. Make sure to include child-friendly options, like mashed avocado and mild cheese.
• Pizza: Either homemade or delivery pizza will be a hit with both children and adults. For easy serving, cut the pizza into bite-sized portions.

Desserts

• Birthday cake: You can make the cake from scratch or a use a cake mix. Some parents like to also have a small ‘smash’ cake for their kid to enjoy.
• Cupcakes: Make cupcakes instead of a birthday cake. There is no cutting, so they’ll be easier to serve. Decorate them with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Donuts: Donuts are great alternative to a birthday cake. You can modify most muffin recipes and bake them in donut molds.
• Ice cream sundae bar: Serve ice cream in individual cones or cups. You can also make ice cream sandwiches.

Things to keep in mind

• Avoid food that children most commonly choke on. This food include dry fruits and nuts (almonds, peanuts, raisins), small fruits (cherries, grapes), small hard candies, popcorn. Cook vegetables and fruits that are hard (apples, carrots) until they are soft. You can also serve them in long strips – this will reduce the risk of choking. Melted cheese is also a choking hazard.
• Sticky treats and chewing gum (gummy candies, marshmallows, jelly, cotton candy) can get lodged in a child’s throat.
• Ask the parents about food intolerances and allergies. Make sure to check if any desserts or drinks should be avoided for certain kids. Some parents have a strict “no spicy, no fried, no junk food” rules for their child. Also keep religious considerations in mind.
• Consider the weather and season. Many people prefer to avoid frozen desserts, cold drinks and chilled foods during the winter or rainy season.
• Opt for child-friendly glasses, plates and cups that are durable and won’t break easily.

What are your thoughts on how to plan a first birthday party menu?

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