DIY: Birthday Party Menu you can Prepare at Home

A lot of parents these days are reviving the old tradition of hosting birthday parties at home. And why not? It’s more economical, more convenient, and way more charming than a rented venue. Preparing the birthday menu adds further to that personal touch of hosting a party at home. After you’ve done the planning, a customized birthday party menu can make a dramatic difference to your party, especially when it brings with it that “made by mom” appeal.  However, it does require a bit of organization, planning and budgeting.

Here are the steps you need to take if you intend to prepare a birthday party menu at home.


I. Things to Consider Before Menu-Planning

1. Discuss with your child what party food she/he would like. If your kid wants spaghetti and fried chicken, then make him the best spaghetti and fried chicken combo you can, without ordering kiddie meals from the usual fast food joint. Sometimes the theme of your child’s party can dictate the sort of food you want to serve. Keep in mind that for younger children in general, finger foods are much more child-friendly and practical than plated meals.

2. Make sure you trust yourself to do all the cooking! (or most of it!) How good are your cooking skills? What is your budget? These are two key questions you need to answer before you plan a birthday party menu which you can prepare at home. Most parents will opt for a mix of both shop-bought and homemade food. It’s often more practical to do this, as it saves on shopping time and prep time.

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II. Necessary Menu Elements

1. Beverages
Have two to three choices of beverage, and always have a supply of cold water on hand. Mixed juices in large, self-serve containers are more economical than individual drinks or juice packs.

2. Savory food
Example foods: Make mini pizzas (kids love them!), some chicken fingers, and perhaps a pasta dish. These are fool-proof kid-pleasers at any party, and you’re sure that kids will wolf them down—which means no leftovers!

3. Sweet food
Example foods: Serve ice cream, cookies, or mini cupcakes. Sometimes cupcakes can double as the “birthday cake,” but it’s really up to you what you or your child want to do. You can buy ready made sweet treats and just customize them. For example: Buy inexpensive plain biscuits or donuts and make your own frosting. Make a mixture of icing sugar, water and food coloring and ice plain cookies. During the party, let each child decorate their own biscuits with colored sprinkles and other candy-like toppings.

4. Birthday cake
Make a “serve-able” birthday cake as this can take the place of a dessert, too. Remember to make the cake the centerpiece of your child’s birthday party theme, and ideally, make it in the flavor your child loves. You can buy a ready-made cake and add a special cake topper to save time and effort.

5. Grown-up food choices
Make one dish or two that will appeal to grown-ups or parents who are accompanying their kids to the party. You could make a more refined pasta choice or a hearty salad. Make tea or coffee available as well.

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III. A sample birthday party menu

To give you an idea of what a possible menu for a preschool-age party, here’s a sample menu with an accompanying sample budget. It helps to make a trip to the grocery store just to take down the prices of the items you need for your menu.

This menu serves a party of eight preschool-age children and six adults.

Birthday party food need not be expensive. Kids, especially your child, will take with them not whether the tablecloths were in complementing colors, or if the cake topper resembled the celebrant – it’s the fun they had which they will remember.