first birthday party
Given that there will only be 3 tots at my daughter's first birthday party and about 20 adults, mostly well versed in food and wine... any suggestions as to what to serve? We are planning on a picnic on Riverside Park at around 4-5p. Also, what to drink? I'm a new mom interested in less conventional ideas, raising an eat-all baby!
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11 Comments:
How about fried chicken? We did that at my daughter's birthday instead of the typical pizza and mac and cheese, and it went over wonderfully. We did potato salad, fresh biscuits and cole slaw as sides and everyone, including the kids, loved it. As a side note, for a first birthday, do a smash cake -- your daughter will love it and it makes for great pics. Oh, and congrats and enjoy! It goes so quickly!
gbania at 10:04AM on 07/23/09
At my goddaughter's first birthday, it was mostly grown ups, too. Sausage and peppers, baked ziti, salad, and some sweets.
Mom cut a garbage bag into a poncho, suited up the birthday girl, placed her in the high chair, served her a BIG piece of cake, and said, "have at it." The baby loved it. She didn't eat much of it, but enjoyed the mess and was easily cleaned up.
Kerosena at 10:10AM on 07/23/09
It is hot, grill something. Something simple.
JerzeeTomato at 10:42AM on 07/23/09
Ha! Similar to comment above--
On my son's first birthday, I placed a big piece of frosted cake on a paper plate in front of him and we all stood back to watch. He looked at the cake, clearly wanting some, and since no one stepped up to help he dove down face first for a bite. As he came up, the cake stuck to his face and the plate to the cake. It was loads of fun. He didn't seem to mind our laughter!
We did not think of making a tarp....
Trilby at 10:56AM on 07/23/09
For our daughter's 1st b-day we actually had it catered by a local taqueria. She loves al pastor, rice and beans (really who doesn't) They supplied two types of meat, rice, beans, chips, salsas, tortillas, and the chafing dishes. It was easy and fairly cheap @ $8 per person. The best part is that they came back and picked all the equipment and I didn't have to worry about cooking and cleaning...instead I got to watch, play and enjoy my daughters birthday.
GrimChef at 1:01PM on 07/23/09
its a tradition in my family that 1st birthdays are for the kid. They get their own cake (small) and then there is a cake for everyone else. The kid gets to dive head first or whatever their little heart desires with that cake, messy and potentialy nasty, but it makes for some wonderful memories and great pics.
huneybumper at 1:47PM on 07/23/09
wow, thanks everyone. I was thinking of making savory muffins (like corn/jalapeno/cheese) and cupcakes (blueberry, since it's her current obsession). But I love the taco idea (daddy is Mexican) and I didn't think about letting my daughter have her own cake and eat it too!
Carioca at 3:44PM on 07/23/09
pasta salad so the tots can have noodles and small cut up veggies and the adults can enjoy it as well. I would include big bowls of chicken and shrimp for folks to add to the salad. Add fruit salad and skewers of beef and lots of yummy crusty bread. I have been cooking for kids for years and everyone loves a spread where they can mix and match what they want to eat. If corn is ripe in your area, add a big bowl of cooked corn too. Make sangria, lemonade and iced tea and give each tot a special sippy cup that they can take home. One of the best BD parties I did for my kids was a "puppy party" where they ate out of dog dishes I decorated for each child that they then took home. They ate out of them for weeks according to their parents! I did dog bone shaped cookies and mac and cheese in the dog dishes. They made "collars" by stringing big tube macaroni and went on a treasure hunt for the dog bone cookies. It was one of the best parties. Consider it when your baby is 3. Have fun, mine are now 22, 19 and 16 but I loved doing the baby parties and the cake ideas are great!
belfman at 3:48PM on 07/23/09
My brother and sister in law had homemade pizza at my niece's first birthday party and I think it was a lot of fun for everyone...all sorts of different toppings. We were indoors so we all got to help out but I think homemade pizza can still be great for a picnic!
Chew on That at 4:06PM on 07/23/09
They're often called 'smash cakes'. Because frankly, it's fun to see a kid rip into a whole cake but no one wants to slice a piece off the carnage. that way, thepics look great and everyone else gets a more...uh, sanitary slice.
BananaMonkey at 4:18PM on 07/23/09
For my son's first, we had asparagus panzanella. I followed this recipe, times four, http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/asparagus-panzanella?autonomy_kw=asparagus%20bread%20salad&rsc=header_3, and added some lovely shredded salami. The adults loved it, the toddlers picked at it, and my little guy ate his prescribed finger foods and topped it off with a big smear of birthday cake. Happy birthday wishes!!
Bumblebutton at 7:22PM on 07/23/09