NOTE: If you're reading this post (and we both know you are), you are hereby REQUIRED to submit SOME FORM of feedback. Help a girl out!!!
FOR THE RECORD: I've had over 30 visitors since this post went up earlier today... Where y'all at
FOR THE RECORD: I've had over 30 visitors since this post went up earlier today... Where y'all at
Okay, so Chase's big birthday is just around the corner... a short 31 days away! I've already been in full planning mode for at least a month now, and am happy to say the invitations, thank you cards and one of the little party favors have been designed and ordered and shipped... just awaiting the delivery! The paper goods are purchased, and a few cute little ideas to bring out the colors and theme of the party are figured out (although I can always use more cute ideas like these if you have any).
So now I'm moving on to cake. Of course I've ordered cakes for all three of LO's birthdays, but have been dying to start the tradition of making the kids' birthday cakes myself. Chase's first birthday seems like the perfect opportunity to start! So I began with an unconventional (in my opinion) cake idea: banana. I found a recipe (along with a cute monkey-themed cake idea that I don't plan to use) at smitten kitchen. I paired it with a quick and easy one-bowl dark chocolate buttercream recipe from Hershey's.
Unfortunately, the cake tasted very "banana bread-y" (too dense, in my opinion) and it just didn't seem right to have chocolate buttercream on it. Oh, well. I might have to settle with plain ol' chocolate and/or vanilla. Boring, but typically accepted by the masses.
Okay, so once the cake is figured out, I've got some food planning to do. Problem is, I have no idea what to do! I'm tired of the ol' finger food approach, which almost always results in a veggie tray, fruit tray, chips, meatballs, little sandwiches, etc. But I don't want to do a huge sit-down type meal when I have nowhere near enough seating for as many people as will be attending. The party will most likely be during the lunch time frame, so I definitely want to provide a meal of some sort, but am at a complete loss of something "new" and "fresh" to serve.
THIS IS WHERE YOUR FEEDBACK COMES IN!
Can you help me? I need to think of something other than finger foods to serve at Chase's birthday party. I don't want to do anything that's too difficult to eat (considering there will be lots of chairs, but no tables), or too heavy (it'll be lunch, not dinner). I don't mind the time and effort that goes into making whatever it is I make... but I'd love it not to be too time-consuming, considering the plethora of other things on my plate the day of his party. I'm open to ALL suggestions, and am hopeful one of you will have THE suggestion that will relieve the insane amount of stress I've been carrying when it comes to the decision of what to serve at the party.
Okay, so... it's FEEDBACK time!!! Help a sista out!
Please??
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ReplyDeleteThis Paula Dean Banana (nut) cake is AMAZING. I have made it twice and it's such a CAKE and not a bread. Omit the nuts and you can change the icing from cream cheese to vanilla (if you don't think he'll like the cream cheese icing. BUT IT's SO GOOD.)
ReplyDeleteIn regards to lunch, contact your local mexican restaurant, or take-out burrito joint (We have a Rubio's) and get a party platter. We spent like $80 and got tons of items to make beef and chicken fajita/soft tacos with sides of rice and beans to FEED EVERYBODY.
It does cost money, but if you add up all the ingredients from making a whole spread, it'll surprise you. And nothing is better than picking up the food 10 minutes before the party starts!!
For the kids, you can do applesauce cups, string cheese and grapes if you don't think any of them will eat the other food. Parents will be happy enough for the kids to eat something nutritious before cake!
Since you will be focusing on the cake this year, save yourself time and stress and bring food in. Maybe even a big hogie sandwich from Quiznos or something....
AGH, here is the link for the cake
ReplyDeletehttp://www.littlemissmel.com/?p=506
:)
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Do your peeps like bananas? I'm not sure what they're called, but peanut butter spread inside a hot dog bun with a banana as the "hot dog".....it goes with the monkey theme. My kids don't like bananas, so it wouldn't work this way. As far as adults, don't have an idea for you....yet.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking Mexican food too. A "nacho bar" with lots of meats and toppings to make some yummy nachos - taco meat, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, tomatos, lettuce, etc. For the kids (if nachos would be too messy) then perhaps make some quesadillas chicken&cheese, beef&cheese and just cheese. Cut them into quaters size pieces and you have some toddler friendly finger food along with your nacho bar for the adults. I'm from Texas so my mind always goes to Tex-Mex food or BBQ. I'm also not much of a chef so this was the best idea I could come up with. Hope it helps. BTW - it is so AWESOME that you are planning Chase's 1st birthday party. Thank you Jesus :)
ReplyDeleteHeart hugs,
Tina B.
Mom to Anna Grace (HRHS)
How about kabobs! You can serve meat, veggies, fruit and dessert with kabobs and NO PLATE!! You can even spice things up by having various dips for your kabobs! I've even tried "to die for" chocolate cake kabobs! We have a small house and big family and I've often thought about doing a kabob-type party!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a "monkeyish" party, if so you MUST serve chocolate frozen banana kabobs! You don't have to serve an entire banana, you can cut it into chunks, use a popsicle stick for your kabob, freeze and dip them in chocolate!! SO YUMMY. A favorite in my house!
I love planning parties! Have fun! Hope this helps!
Kerri Pennington
mom to Mary Clare (HLHS)
www.babypennington.com
What about making your own little fondue bar? You can still use the normal fruit and vegetables trays but with a twist? Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in favor of the nacho/make your own taco bar. They can be filling, but not super time consuming if you choose to do your own prep. Moreover, if you offer chicken & beef, you're covered with even most of the pickiest eaters.
ReplyDeleteI like the fondue idea-- Cheese to dip veggies and bread in---and maybe a chocolate fountain with fruit-- bananas, pinapple, and of course, strawberries are YUMMY dipped in chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI like the kabob idea too. :)