So it’s time to become Jamie Oliver for the day and whip up a feast for the hordes of little ones rolling up to the party. But do not fear this quick guide will help you make it more Delia (nice and calm) and less Gordon Ramsey (Hell’s Kitchen!!)

First of all I want to give you a KISS!
Noooo not a big sloppy wet smacker on the lips but K.I.S.S = Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You need to remember what you are organising. It is a kids party. You do not need to feed them like they are attending a 5 star banquet and also you don’t need to provide so much food in the fear that they will never eat again.

Most of the time children at parties will only nibble at their food as they are excited and are desperate to get back up and join in with more party activities. Also if they are going to be moving around then you do not want them to be weighed down with 55 sandwiches and 24 sausage rolls!!

So many parents ask me how long will be allocated for the food, and when I say 15 minutes they do not believe me! From years of experience this is the most you will be able to keep them sat down for anyway!

So here are a few tips to make sure that the children are nicely fed, the parents are happy and don’t worry about what you are giving them and most importantly it is a cost effective and easy preparation process.

1. Don’t go over board. Just a few simple sandwiches and a handful of extra goodies is more than enough (trays and trays of food will only go to waste)

2. Have individual covered paper plates or party boxes with each child’s food. This will control the amounts and means that it is easy to prepare in advance and can be placed out for each children quickly. Add a carton drink and you have a compact easy to manage meal. Also if you have any children with special requirements you can easily label the boxes/ plates ( Always have a few spare boxes just in case)

3. If you do choose to have large plates/trays on the tables for the children to pick from, have several smaller ones rather than a few big ones as the children may struggle to reach the food and you will end up having to serve the children and rushing around.

4. Get some waterproof table clothes or themed party ones. This will help sort out any spillages and will make clean up at the end super easy.

5. Don’t go for just sandwiches, cakes and sweets. Add a few vegetables and a selection of small fruits into the mix. This will ensure that parents who are concerned about the nutritional value will be satisfied. Also vegetables are ideal mess free finger food for children.

6. Cakes and biscuits are the easiest sweet/dessert option, but if you do choose to have jelly and ice cream then start to bowl this up as soon as the main party food has gone out. This will ensure that these can be served quickly before the children get restless and also it speeds up the serving process and allows the party to keep moving.

7. Don’t do everything yourself!!! If there are other parents there get them involved. If not have a few extra pairs on hands around. They can ensure the children are eating as you are preparing the desserts etc. Communication is key. Let everyone know what food is where and when it needs to go out.

8. Think about putting on a few nibbles for the parents. It needn’t be much but it certainly makes the party more sociable and will make the adults more willing to help out. Also this is a good way to start conversation and increase your network of friends around your child.

The best piece of advice is plan in advance! Don’t just roll up on the day with a few bags of this and that. You will end up spending a fortune and it will all get wasted. The children will be much calmer if they are presented with a neat party meal and you will have the freedom to watch them enjoy it.

Have fun and remember K.I.S.S!!!!