what to serve
Although you'll probably be able to get away with just serving cake, if partytime is closer to lunch, stave off empty-tummy fussing with premade snacks for adults and kid-friendly finger foods that work for all:
- Premade sandwiches and salads
- Pizza and buffalo chicken wings from your local pizzeria
- Fresh fruit
- Mini-bagels and muffins
- Bite-size cookies or brownies
- Stay away from foods that are choking hazards, such as grapes, nuts, popcorn, and hard candies. Avoid placing platters on low surfaces where your baby would have easy access to them.
- Why not serve the ultimate two-in-one birthday treat: an ice-cream cake? No need to slice cake and scoop melting ice cream. We like the sinfully rich creations from Cold Stone Creamery (visit ColdStoneCreamery.com for store locations). They're grown-up enough to appeal to all guests, yet add a celebratory touch to your gathering -- it's not every day that you get to eat ice-cream cake!
The guest of honor, though, can have her own "smashcake" that she can do with as she wishes (just remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime mess!). A special cupcake is an ideal baby-size treat.
