Hosting a party for kids can be a fun and memorable experience, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to catering. Planning a kid’s party can feel a bit challenging, and it can be hard to know where to start. But it’s no secret that kids love a theme – which also makes things easier for you to build your kids’ party menu ideas, decorations and activities around. Choosing a theme for the party will help you nail the look and food for the party without getting confused and overwhelmed!
Below, we’ll explore some creative ideas for kids party catering that will help you create a theme that kids will love, and leave you stress-free and with nothing but happy memories of the day.
Choosing the right theme
The first step to creating a theme kids will love is choosing the right one! The theme should be age-appropriate and cater to the interests of the children attending the party – although remember you don’t need to try and please everyone. The day is about the guest of honour after all, and what their personal favourite things are.
Some examples of popular themes for kids parties include superheroes, princesses or fairies, pirates, animals, sports, and outer space. You can choose to keep these themes broad, or focus more on a particular favourite, such as a certain Disney princess, or a certain sports team. Just be aware that any trademarked themes (like cartoons or movie characters) will be more expensive overall, because trademarked items instantly make the costs increase, and it can be harder to source what you need for the party.
Once you’ve decided on a theme, the next step is to create a kids’ party menu, activities, and decorations that fit the theme!
Nailing the kids party catering
Choosing the best kid’s birthday party venue, entertainment and decor are all important – but there’s one component that’s essential to a successful gathering, no matter what the age of the guest: food.
Menu items are another critical part of any party, and they should be delicious, easy to eat, and theme-appropriate. Any party food is best served on a platter – finger foods make everyone’s life easier. You don’t need to provide cutlery, and your adult guests aren’t trying to chase a toddler while balancing a plate of salad.
If you’re a working mum with a family, we’re guessing you already have plenty on your plate. You can provide the food yourself; or another option is to order some kids party platters in from a professional caterer – or, a mix of both. Ordering professional catering for your kid’s party lets you focus on other tasks at hand, like the decor, sorting out the entertainment, making an amazing cake – or simply enjoying the day.
Here are some menu ideas that fit popular kids' party themes:
- Superheroes: Create a superhero-themed cake or cupcakes. Serve mini pizzas with superhero logos made out of cheese, or our Gourmet Pies and Sausage Roll Platter.
- **Fairy princesses: **Serve cupcakes and cookies, or create a tea party menu with tea sandwiches, scones, and tea. Add our Fairy Finger Bread Platter or Sweet Time Party Platter for some fairytale charm.
- Pirates: Think gold coin chocolates, fruit kebabs on skewers, and white chocolate-dipped pretzels for “skeleton bones”.
- Animals: Serve animal-shaped cookies, cupcakes with animal faces, or a pineapple and cheese hendgehog. Add our Mixed Lollie Platter featuring gummy bears, worms and Freddo Frogs!
- Sports: Serve mini burgers or mini hot dogs, sports-themed cupcakes, and Gatorade.
- Outer space: Serve star-shaped cookies alongside our sprinkles-topped Chocolate Mousse Ice Cream Pop Platter.
Kids’ party decoration ideas
Decorations are an essential part of any party, and they can make or break the overall theme! Here are some decoration ideas that fit popular kids' party themes:
- Superheroes: Use superhero posters and figurines as table centerpieces, hang superhero balloons and streamers, and create a photo booth with superhero props.
- Fairy princesses: Use a pink and purple color scheme. Hang up princess banners and balloons, and give out little crowns as party favours. Create a princess castle backdrop out of cardboard for photo booths.
- Pirates: Use a pirate flag and treasure chests as table centerpieces, hang black balloons and streamers, and create a treasure hunt activity.
- Animals: Use fabric with animal prints for tablecloths and napkins, and hire a face painter where kids can turn into their favorite animals.
- Sports: Use sports-themed decorations, such as football or basketball posters. Hang up sports balls, balloons and streamers. You could even run a mini sports tournament.
- **Outer space: **Think silver balloons and streamers, rockets and astronaut props, and hanging star lanterns for a party that’s out of this world.
Keep them entertained with kids party activities
Activities and entertainment are the heart of any party, and they can make the difference between a boring or a fun-filled event (plus you need a way to keep the kids amused once they’re fuelled by all the amazing food!). Here are some activity ideas that fit popular kids' party themes:
- Superheroes: Create a superhero training camp. Have kids participate in superhero-themed activities such as obstacle courses, jumping over buildings, or running through tunnels.
- Fairy princesses: Create a royal ball where kids can dance, sing, and play dress-up. Have a story-time with a fairy, princess or prince reading books to kids.
- Pirates: Create a treasure hunt where kids can find hidden treasures around the party area. Have kids create their own pirate hats and eye patches.
- Animals: Create a petting zoo or bring in a few friendly animals for kids to interact with. Have a game of animal charades or pin the tail on the donkey.
- Sports: Create a mini-sports tournament where kids can participate in various games like soccer, basketball, or dodgeball. Have a halftime show where kids can show off their dance moves.
- Outer space: Have a galaxy dance party, a rocket-building competition, or a meteor-shaped pinata!
Creating a theme that kids will love for their party can be a challenging task. However, with a delicious themed party menu, fun decorations, and creative activities, your party is sure to be a hit!
Ordering kids party catering in Sydney or Melbourne for your little one’s next celebration lets you concentrate on spending more time enjoying the fun! Get in touch now to discuss how we can help.