Children’s Tea Party Ideas - List of the Best 15 Finger Foods Ideas and Buffet Platter Creations Kids Love and on Budget - When it comes to kids’ party time, well, this is the time to think about food; and not just any other food; but food that kids love. But what sort of foods are guaranteed to be a hit with your little guests yet keeping in budget? Well, we ring you the answer in our best list of 15 party foods that will strike with kids. Birthday party foods should be delicious yet simple, kid-friendly yet healthy to the extent possible, just as much as adult parties when kids are involved.

For many of us, the prospect of a child's party surely sends shivers and despair while for others, this makes them whoop with delight (hello, party virgin). Either way, children’s parties are hard to avoid, at least not always. Children, just simply put, are a bunch of over-excitable little souls that at one time or another are going to descend on you, expecting to stuff their faces with all manner of sugar-coated birthday fodder and treats.

As a planning guide follow these Benons Catering suggestions

·         In time or at the latest, three weeks ahead of the event get the venue sorted – good venues can be over booked especially at peak times. Keep it local, many parents will want to keep things local to fit in their day schedules.

·         Work on the invites A month to two weeks before to get all your kid’s friends and their families dairies. There’s nothing more awful get invitation regrets just because parents and families have booked something in already for your child’s birthday. Ensure you send out invites; menu and any itinerary for the day. Make parents and siblings welcome by having an alternative program for them. make your party food shopping list

·         Work on the menu for the day. If you will use a caterer. As a caterer ourselves, for us this is the most important part. We’ve had times when we’ve had to send apologies to late inquiries especially at peak times. This is the time to have this booked in. A month or so ahead ensures you have the flexibility and ability to bargain for best prices. If you will order from the main supermarkets, again this is ample time to avoid any late disappointments. Ensure the correct date and the time is noted with these services. 2 hours ahead is always safe to work with.

·         Well, what child’s party gets by without a cake? In around the same time as the food, for DIY parties, bake the cake and freeze it if this is convenient. If you will use a local baker, again this is the time to get in touch with any specific preferences and ensure these are best captured and represented for your child’s birthday cake.

·         If it’s a DIY child’s party, one week ahead is ample time to start to sort out all the sundries like any disposables or crockery needs for your party such as paper plates/food boxes, and décor such as balloons, candles, table decorations, party-bag presents and non-perishable food;

·         The last three days to the event are all about final touches, such as buying the remaining food; bake birthday cake if not done it already; make up party bags; work on entertainment and activities for the party and ensure every detail such as charging the camera are seen to.

·         In the last one day, this can be to decorate the cake; make any jelly pots, defrost any items in the freezer, decorate the fairy cakes, and anything else that can be made ahead. If you have enough fridge space, the food platters can be prepped in this time and stored in the fridge as it will still be as fresh for the next day.

·         On the day itself for those on DIY party, you can make the party food – i.e. sandwiches, fruit platters; filled lunch bags (if using); wok on the décor such as blowing up balloons; put out extra loo roll; decorate table etc etc. Now this is about the time to relax… well NOT just yet… Ensure all children will be safe throughout the party…. Not a small ask but once this done…. Well it'll soon be over.

With Benons top 15 party foods list, you are sure you won’t go wrong when you next have a kids’ party to put together.

1.   Pizza Sticks & Roll ups

This can be a very inexpensive party treat for any kids' celebration if planned well in advance and it's a hit with children of all ageas be it for 6 year olds or 14 years olds. Pizza Sticks can be topped with Jarred bruschetta topping, chock full of flavourful herbs and veggie stuff, that can also save both money and prep time. All you have to do is simply top a refrigerated thin pizza crust with the bruschetta topping and a shredded cheese blend, bake, and cut into bite-size strips and wait to see the smiles on your guests faces. Why not try some pizza roll ups that can come together so easily and are loved by all! These party finger food treats are also perfect for a quick dinner party or a snack for kids at home.

2.   Mini sausage/Cheese rolls

This happens to be everybody\'s favourite party food and yet it always works like a charm when it comes to kids. John For those like the rest of us who have so much to do with so little time, these can be picked off the shelf in all main supermarkets and thrown straight onto platters ready to tuck in. A combination of vegetarian and meat options ensures many tastes are being catered for. Why not whack these in together with the other traditional favourites like pork pies, savoury eggs and cocktail sausages for a complete palate…

3.   Mini Quiche Selection

Perhaps berated for its lack of variety but these can now be made in a host of all fillings that appeal to kids and yet healthy too. From spinach and mushroom, to ham and tomato, the range of choices of fillings and flavours is limited by your imagination. These quick creations are a great treat and cost very little to put together. They are a great addition to any child’s party.

4.   Sticky popcorn/Candyfloss pots/cones

We’ve done many a party to understand how these little treats strike it really well with children. Once they’ve had their main food, they are ready to carry this along for the rest of the party. It’s not exactly recreating that memorable favourite movie night experience but they’re still a great pull on for many children. Cones can be made at home or bought in from the local store and very cheap prices.

5.   Cheese & fruit sticks

Get your child's celebration off to a great start with this simple yet charmingly refreshing treat. These can come in a range of arrays, flavours, textures and colours. These are a perennial favourite with children, and if you have a variety of these made, they will sure be away in seconds. They are best of all easy to make up. Grab punnets of grapes, strawberry, some pineapple, pickled onion and a dices of cheese, skewer them in some sort of format be it size, colour or flavour and off you go. Add a twist by using waffles, marshmallows or mini donuts to create a sensation on sticks kids will absolutely love.

6.   Marshmallows and Strawberry dipped in chocolate

Extend the previous sensation with these lovable creations that all kids will love. Indulge in the moment and get the kids to make them themselves and stand back and see the atmosphere. All kids love making these sweet chewy lollipops decorated with melted chocolate and cake sprinkles. All you need extra is chocolate dipping sauce and a favourite sprinkle. Rainbow sprinkles will do just fine.

7.   Cheese Sliders & chips

We love making these and they can be great for adults too… These homemade little burgers and chips/fries will beat shop-bought any day. Get creative by looking out for great toppings to improve the flavours even further. Onion rings, fried onions, Streaky bacon, pulled pork all add to the effect. Or why not make double and freeze a batch ready for your next do?

8.   Mini Sandwiches

These can be done on cute little rolls and a must for kids’ parties, and can be great for getting fussy eaters to tuck in. When it comes to fillings, you’re only limited by your imagination. You can get creative with fillings such as ham, jam, chicken slices, tuna and sweetcorn, egg mayo and cress, tomato, cheese, salmon and cream cheese etc. All you have to do is sit back and watch the facial expressions, kids tucking in the rolls with angry teeth or a happy smile. The kids will surely go away thoroughly entertained.

9.   Mini Pizza Selection

Again another party favourite. For those that it suits, making pizza from scratch can be so much fun for the youngsters, so much so that you can turn it into a party activity! Prepare the bases for these mini morsels, then give the kids a selection of sauce and topping and let them go wild. They\'ll love eating their own creations, and even the fussiest of eaters will be catered for. But even if you don’t have the space or the time, you can get these off the shelf from main supermarkets are very cheap prices, finish them off with favourite toppings such as ham, mushrooms, tomatoes etc. bake them in the oven for 10-15 minutes and serve them cold. They will still be a great treat for many children.

10.               Chicken or Cod Dippers

These crispy-crumbed chicken or cod strips dipped in batter are the perfect size for little hands. Their slim line shape means they\'re ideal for dunking in your child\'s favourite sauces – Best of all, these can be made them from scratch on the whim which ensures there is nothing but good ingredients in them. These can go well with chips/fries in cones so kids can move around with them while indulging in the moment.

11.               Potato Sailboats

All you need for these quirky treats is potato wedges/potato balls, cheese dices and cherry tomato to create these wonderful kids’ favourites on skewers. The potato wedges/potato balls, cheese and tomato stacks will look great and make for easy party food for the kids. They also make for the perfect quirky side to serve with mini sliders or homemade chicken or cod dippers. Stack them high, sit back and watch them simply disappear in no time. It may be wise to remove the skewers if you\'re catering for very young children for safety reasons.

12.               Mini hotdogs

Simple, easy and quick but sure to make a hit with all children. The mini hotdogs are perfect party treat but best of all, you can have these made for the kids in very quick time. Remember to keep the kids favourite sauce on the side.

13.               Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are a delicious crunchy entrée that’s a great favourite for both kids and adults alike. They’re a great addition with an Asian cuisine twist that can be served up with sauces to give an extra edge. Best of all, these won’t break the bank. Why not go the full circle and add some samosas, pakoras and onion Bhajis for a sensational Asian snack spread…

14.               Mini Pies

Do them right and these will sure be the centre of activity at your part. These wonderful little party creations are delicious and they’re worth your effort. They can come in many fillings such as, cheese and onion, steak and onion, chicken and bacon, meat and potato etc. You can even make these for parties as snacks alongside other great creations that you may have.

15.               Cupcakes

Well, this is a main stay for all kids’ parties. Cupcakes are a great party food, and you can get really creative with them too – Getting kids involved in topping them can sure add to the party atmosphere.

We hope you try a few of these out at your next party and you love them. Why not drop us an email with your best creations to we can showcase them here for our readers? We would love to hear from you.