When planning a children's party, one of the main considerations is party food, and unless you are lucky enough to be able to hire a caterer, then finding quick and easy party foods to prepare is the key.

In order to help you save time and money we have put together some ideas for easy party food to make your child's party go down a treat.

Party foods for kids can be made very easily and to suit most tastes, themes and ages. It is always worth bearing in mind that a growing number of children have food allergies. Parents who have a child with an allergy are usually proactive in informing other parents if their child is going to a party where there may be food. Some may even offer to provide 'safe' alternatives for their child. As a general rule to eliminate some allergic reactions and choking do not offer nuts as a snack at a party. But if you like to be extra safe, ask all parents if their child has an allergy of any kind.

Children get very excited about parties and especially the food, so spending a little time thinking and planning your party food will make the preparation much easier. Making sandwiches and then using biscuit cutters to make different shapes / animals / characters is an easy party food solution and children love it.

You might want to serve something to the waiting parents during the birthday party. Coffee and cake is always popular with the âolderâ guests!

If you have already chosen a theme for your party then plan the food to go with your theme. Party foods for kids need to be fun, exciting, colourful and interesting, this is easier to achieve than you may first think. Remember that healthy eating is very important for our children today as well. But with the examples of food we are giving, you should find lots of different options for your birthday party food. Try to achieve a balance and include sweet and savoury dishes by using the ideas below.

Savoury:

• Sandwiches
• Pizza
• Scotch eggs
• Breadsticks
• Mini sausages
• Mini quiches
• Vegetable sticks & dips
• Cheese & pineapple kebabs
• Crisps
• Sausage rolls
• Cherry tomatoes

Sweet:

• Fruit kebab
• Yoghurt with fresh berries
• Raisins
• Jelly
• Ice cream
• Fairy cakes
• Biscuits
• Mini chocolate rolls
• Birthday cake

Drinks:

• Juice
• Squashes
• Individual juice cartons
• Water
• Smoothies
• Milk shakes