Birthday suggestions

crene84

I know you all have posted a lot of great pictures of your LOs' parties and some of you have had some great ideas, but I was hoping to get some more.  We just had DD's 2nd b-day party yesterday and it went great, but we basically did the same exact thing as last year (cheese/cracker tray, veggie tray, fruit tray, sandwich tray, etc) and now DS' party is soon in only 2 months with mostly the same guest list so I thought it'd be nice to switch it up.  I liked some of the ideas I saw on here like an ice cream social or pizza party..any more?

TIA!

27boo

We went with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and served hot diggity dogs. We also had chips, salsa, and a veggie tray. Her grandma's brought baked beans and some salads. Not because I asked, but because they just do that or I would have made a few. It went over well. Leaning towards taco bar next year I think.

bosha711

Some people mentioned a taco bar. You could do a fiesta theme.

You could also just do hot dishes instead of the cold stuff you've already done - like penne vodka, sausage & peppers, meatballs, chicken parm

kelbel527

We did hot diggity dogs as well for our MM birthday party.

DS1's birthday is in the winter, so we usually do warm food for that.  A couple suggestions that we've done in the past: Taco bar - this was a huge hit and so easy, shredded BBQ pork in the crock pot w/ rolls, hot ham sandwiches and Chili.  

I've never done a pasta bar, but that's always sounded fun to me.  

Pokedot

We did a taco bar and it went awesome! The whole prep was super quick and I cooked the meat the day off. I did chicken and beef. Chicken cooked all day and the beef I did about an hour before then put it in the CP to keep warm. Everyone raved about it. I saw people going up for 4th!

smb+jab

We did a minion theme for DS this year and did a taco bar (El nacho's Taco Bar) and it was a huge it and soo easy!  I did pulled pork in the crock pot (i started it at 7am) and then the chicken (which i shredded) i marinated and baked in the oven for an hour before guests arrived and then kept warm in a crock pot.  Everything else was cut up the night before.  

Which actually was a lot less work than the previous year (we did baked ziti, fried chicken, fruit salad and salad plus various dips last year - which was delicious and my go to meal for parties). My mom at one point actually said what else, as she was surprised we didn't have more food to prep..  And I was like we are done - more time for wine drinking!  

Now i am wondering if we can work a taco bar into every party theme! 

melody921

I've been wanting to try a taco bar, but haven't yet. For DS' bday, since it's always cold out, I tend to do hot food -- baked ziti or stuffed shells, sausage/meatballs or pulled pork or roast beef sandwiches -- along with the sides.

hmp1

I like the bar set ups, even though I have never done one. A baked potato bar or chili bar (although I wouldn't do this for fear of chili on my couch or carpet) would be a good late fall meal. Winter Onederland would be really cute with a chili bar, ice cream social, and hot chocolate station...all the bars!

melody921

hmp1 said:

I like the bar set ups, even though I have never done one. A baked potato bar or chili bar (although I wouldn't do this for fear of chili on my couch or carpet) would be a good late fall meal. Winter Onederland would be really cute with a chili bar, ice cream social, and hot chocolate station...all the bars!

LOL, @hmp1, DH always says the same thing about chili, tacos, etc.

kelbel527

melody921 said:

hmp1 said:

I like the bar set ups, even though I have never done one. A baked potato bar or chili bar (although I wouldn't do this for fear of chili on my couch or carpet) would be a good late fall meal. Winter Onederland would be really cute with a chili bar, ice cream social, and hot chocolate station...all the bars!

LOL, @hmp1, DH always says the same thing about chili, tacos, etc.

We entertain a lot.  I've severed Chili a couple of times.  Never ended up with any on the carpet or couch.  However - we've had red wine spilled on our carpet at least 3 times.  I've stopped serving red wine in large groups.

When we get our new house, I'm thinking about banning dark liquids from our brand new living room.