I'm putting together a birthday party menu and want to know: What would be good and easy?

Question

I'm having a small party for my son's 5th birthday. I'll have about 15 people (kids and adults) for dinner. I want to serve things that I can mostly make or put together the night before so I don't feel rushed that day. So far, I think I'd like to have sloppy joes, baked french fries, and seven layer salad. Of course we're having cake and ice cream. What would you serve in addition to that? Or would you go in a totally different direction? I don't entertain often, and I can never decide what to make when I do.

Answer 1

I'd also have a fruit salad.  You can hollow out half a watermelon, and put the cut melon, berries & pineapple chunks back into the melon to serve it.....  or make this:

FRUIT AMBROSIA

2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 large can mandarin oranges, drained

1-2 cans fruit cocktail, drained

2-4 c. miniature marshmellows

    Beat the cream with sugar & extracts until very stiff peaks.  Fold in fruit & marshmellows.  Chill ...(I've made it the day ahead)....  Kids LOVE this!!

Just as a suggestion:  kids might find it easier to eat Sloppy Joes in hot dog buns (rather than hamburger buns), or even small dinner rolls.......

Answer 2

sounds good so far.  another item that is easy to make up the night before is Lasagna.  also....Mac and Cheese is a fav. with kids and grown up alike.

Answer 3

You can never go wrong with pizza.

Answer 4

Nothing else to cook, but if you throw in some chips and dip, that should be enough.

Answer 5

That sounds goo to me except I don't know if the sloppy joes can be handled my 5 year olds..Try a buffet type taco thing make tortillas meat cheese salsa and stuff like that put it out and give people plates and stuff that was a hit for my brothers bday. You could serve lemonade as a beverage.

Answer 6

Sounds great - are they things you enjoy making? Keep it easy with finger foods - cut veggies, etc, and dips are easy too. And be sure to pick foods that your son enjoys eating - does he like 7 layer salad, for example? It will be great! Have fun!!!!

Answer 7

I would go a different direction.  Sloppy joes are a bit messy for a party.  The fries will need careful watching, might get soggy if you overcrowd the pan, and you might have to cook a few batches.

How about lasagna, salad and garlic bread?  

Or a spiral cut ham, baked mac & cheese, dinner rolls and a salad?

Answer 8

Sloppy joes are good, but as the name implies, messy.  Kind of a no-no with little kids (unless you don't mind cleaning up alot).  I agree with the first answerer, hot dogs and even good old burgers with the fries and 7 layer salad ought to be fine.  Have fun!

Answer 9

Kids love little sausages, pizza bites, cheese cubes but they are not that  keen on salads.  Stick to the classics and you wont go far wrong. Don't for get the jelly.

Answer 10

try to make the menu really healthy. This way you get to make the kids eat other than french fries and hamburger..... i hate when really young kids eat that. Try veggies with different dips, and the salat is a great idea for the adults and kids both! Try to make sandwiches that have face so its funny im sure the kids will love it.

Good luck!!

Answer 11

piggy's in a blanket are fun for both children and adults and they are very easy to make.

Answer 12

One idea,

Use the individual size pizza crusts.  Put out bowls with different toppings (cheese, sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, tomato, peppers), and let each child make their own pizza.  Be sure you know whose pizza is where when you put them in the oven, it might get messy but the kids will have fun. and you can makes sure its health.

also mini pigs in a blanket are great too.  

Oriental trading co.com has a huge selection of party favors too.

Answer 13

- BBQ - Burgers, Sausages

- Nibbles - Crisps, dips, breadsticks

- Salad

Sorted!

Answer 14

A good old fashioned BBQ is always a favorite.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni salad, (pasta, potatoe, chef) salad, watermelon and cake and ice cream.

Answer 15

The pork sandwiches here,

http://www.demonpigbbq.com/recipes.html

Tey keep forever and can be made way ahead of time. Frozen if need be.