At a first birthday, children are often most interested in toys, and they may well be at different stages of eating development. Sandwiches cut into shapes, fairy bread, crackers, pieces of fruit, vegetable sticks, pieces of cheese and mini muffins are all reasonably safe bets.

For 2 year olds and upwards there are many options, but again keep it simple with a handful of options as the food is a sideshow to the cake.

• Although fairy bread has nothing good going for it nutritionally (sugar on fat and carbs) children love it. Plus it’s easy to make into shapes with cookie cutters if you’re pursuing a theme.
• Cheerios and tomato sauce are always a winner.
• The sausage rolls you buy frozen in logs are great, as the parents will tuck into these too. Remember to provide loads of tomato sauce on the side!
• Mini pizzas are a good bet - either buy them frozen or make your own using pita breads as a base. You can even buy the basic frozen ones and jazz them up with extra toppings, but you can't go past ham and cheese as a favourite.
• Homemade potato wedges are always popular, but allow them time to cool down before you serve as they are steaming hot straight from the oven.
• Fruit kebabs with a marshmallow are a nod towards a balanced meal (a great trick is to put the marshmallow in the middle so they have to eat at least some fruit first!). Just remember to dispose of the sticks quickly and safely as little boys love using them as swords.
• Mini jellies made in small plastic cups with chopped strawberries or canned fruit in the bottom are a big hit.

Remember to find out whether any guests have food allergies or special diets. It’s always good to have gluten or peanut free alternative foods handy just in case.

With most preschool parties the adults tend to stay to have a chat, head off potential tantrums and encourage participation. Depending on the time of day, it may be suitable to offer a nice cold glass of bubbles or fruit juice, as well as tea and coffee. You can make up a cheese and fruit platter with some crackers or fresh bread and tasty chutneys or pickles. To help with quantities, allow 60g – 100g of cheese per person.

Then there’s the cake. If you’re inspired, make a themed cake using instructions from a cake decorating book or website, but beware it can become compeitive amongst the parents! Alternatively buy a cake, like a sponge cake, put icing on the top and stick on some suitable toys - children love that :-) Alternatively there are many options for buying themed cakes from supermarket bakeries and specialist bakers. Just remember the candles and a box of matches!

 Endorsed by our New World Nutritionist  ||   Proudly Partnering with Parents Centre

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