Can i just serve cake and ice cream for my daughter's 1st b-day party?

Question

I am having one of those inflatable birthday parties for my daughter's 1st. The party is only 2 hours long with 1 1/2 allocated for play time and 1/2 hour for the party room. I am thinking of just serving cake and ice cream and soda/water. Is this okay to do? I plan on saying "cake and ice cream will be served" on the invitations so no one will expect a gourmet meal. Is this ever done? What does etiquette say?

Answer 1

If you don't have the budget then its fine. But if you have some extra money then considering the party time, please add pizza to the menu. You can order Ceasars Pizza or Pizza Hut Mia pizza which cost around $5 each. Feeding the parents is not at all necessary.

Have a blast!

Answer 2

I would at least put out some crackers and cheese and a platter of vegetables with dip.  Maybe some fruit also.  Not every adult is into eating cake or ice cream.  Plus, maybe someone is lactose intolerant.  Also, maybe the other young children (if any attending) will not be ready to eat cake or ice cream.  I know the party is only 2 hours but I know how it is when you are trying to get ready to go to someones house when you are brining alone young children.  Sometimes in an attempt to get there on time you may have to skip your lunch to save some time and just eating cake or ice cream when you are hungry is not always the best idea.

Answer 3

Oh sure - do whatever you are comfortable with and what you can afford! We had a family picnic for our eldest daughter and everyone brought a dish to pass and I provided drinks, cake and ice cream! You're fine with your plans!

Answer 4

Of course you can just serve cake and ice cream.  You are never required to provide full meals at parties.

However, if you do opt for this, be sure you do not schedule the party over a normal 'meal-time.'  If the party is from 6 to 8, the guests will expect dinner.  If it's from 2 to 4 p.m., they will (or SHOULD) understand that it's just going to be 'party-food.'

Answer 5

1/2 hr for the room would never be enough time for toddlers to eat and then have cake.  It's perfectly acceptable and then they won't be surprised that there isn't any lunch being served they'll know in advance

Answer 6

Your plan sounds great to me.  At what point did society begin to think that coming to a kid's birthday party entitled them to so much?  People who are invited to a party are guests, which means it is rude for them to expect something you have not offered.  Stating on the invite what to expect allows them to make plans, so they can have a snack beforehand if necessary, but in no way are you obligated to serve them anything.  After all, those who show up should be there for the child, not the food (myself, I love cake and ice cream).

Answer 7

This is fine. I have just had cakes from www.fancie.co.uk and they were amazing!!!

Answer 8

Well you havent stated the time. If its between 11am - 1pm, I would really be serving something else as it is lunch time. If after 1pm, and before 5pm, then thats ok to do. But yes, state on the invite.

Answer 9

Yes that is perfectly alright to serve just cake and ice cream. It is not written anywhere that you have to have a buffet set out for everyone. Since it's in a location where extra food is optional, if someone wants something more than cake and ice cream, they can purchase it themselves. Best of luck to you and Happy Birthday

Answer 10

Cake and ice cream is fine!  When our son turned one we had his first birthday party at my in laws 10 acre home.  We had a little kiddie pool under a shade tree and then we had some cake and ice cream with punch and that was all we served.  The party was all of an hour and a half long because that's all our boy could handle, lol.  One year olds still tire out quickly!  :)  

I'd say you've planned a good party.  Your etiquette is on target.  No one expects a gourmet meal at a one year old's birthday party.

Answer 11

Make some sloppy joes or something else!

Answer 12

no

Answer 13

you are so cheap....order pizza and remember the parents bring the kids and the presents. If you do this,,the next time no one will show up..its kind of rude!!

Answer 14

I would have some snacks for the parents watching and possibly if the kids need it while they are jumping around. Get some bowls of Cheetos, chips, and pretzels. Other then that, you should be fine! You're paying for the party.

Answer 15

If the party is mostly kids that is fine. For a 1st birthday I would guess it will be a lot of adult family members and such who may be a bit sad. If I didn't have a young child of my own I would be a bit annoyed to go to a party where I sat around watching kids play for 90 minutes and then only given a small slice of cake. I think family parties should have more food served.