Planning Your Menu

• What kinds of finger foods should you have at your party? Keep two broad guidelines in mind. First, stick to basic, familiar foods; don't try anything exotic or unusual. It's great to encourage kids to try new things, but most kids prefer familiar foods. If you try to expand their interest in different kinds of foods, you'll probably just end up spending more money--and having more leftovers. Basic items such as crackers, nuts, french fries, tater tots and popcorn will be favorites of your party guests.
  
  Secondly, as you're planning your menu, think about foods that go with your theme. You can do this without making anything too exotic. For example, for a Mexican theme, try nachos or Mexican pastries. For a tea party theme, make strawberries dipped in chocolate and cheese with crackers.
  
  

Include Healthy Foods

• When you think of party foods, you might think first of sugar-filled desserts and candy. But many kids will eat and enjoy healthful foods if you provide them, and their parents will be grateful when they don't come home wired on sugar. Try including vegetables with hummus or ranch dip and fruits such as grapes, blueberries, strawberries and apple slices. Provide some protein by making a plate of cheese cubes or string cheese and slices of sausage. You can also make finger sandwiches; cut them in quarters and cut off the crusts.
  
  

Desserts

• Of course you'll also need desserts at your party, but that you don't have to have cake and ice cream. Finger food desserts are easier and less messy. Consider mini-cupcakes--they'll help keep portion sizes small, and they're less messy to eat than cake. Make brownies or cookies. Serve ice cream bars instead of ice cream in bowls.