A little over a month ago we celebrated our little man turning two. It’s taken me until now to write about it as I have honestly been in denial that we now have a two and three year old – where have my babies gone?!?!
We had a low key celebration on his actual birthday which involved fish and chips at our local park for lunch and then cake. We also had a little party and invited a few of the boys friends over for some morning tea, a play and more cake – of course!
Both of the cakes were VERY basic, simple butter cakes with thick buttercream frosting – after all who can resist that! For our train obsessed little man I then decorated them with a few of the toys we just happen to have lying around the house.
While I’ve only planned a grand total of five birthday parties for boys, I quickly learnt that keeping it simple and doing as much preparation in advance as possible is the best way to have a successful and stress free (well as much as any gathering of toddlers can be!) party. To help make your next birthday party that little bit easier, I’ve put together a list of easy party food recipes that are easy to make and will be a hit with your guests.
Sausage Rolls are always on our party menu. For something different I sometimes make a Chicken and Vegetable version. My favourite thing about both of these recipes is that they can be made in advance and frozen.
Hawaiian Pizza Scrolls make a great savoury party food option. You can also try this Cheese and Vegemite version or Spinach and Fetta for the grown ups.
I love making the party treats I grew up with for the boys and these Honey Joys and Mars Bar Slice are always popular with everyone.
If you want to sneak some good stuff into the kids, try these Corn, Spinach and Tomato Muffins or these easy Quinoa, Zucchini and Chicken Nuggets.
Popcorn is always popular and for something a little different I like to make this Nutty Caramel Popcorn.
No party is complete without cakes and these simple Vanilla Cupcakes are always a favourite.
Regardless of whether you call them Fairy or Butterfly Cakes, they taste yummy!
Some of my other party food favourites are:
Egg and Lettuce Sandwiches
Fairy Bread
Cheese and Bacon Cobb Loaf Dip
What are your birthday party planning tips?
What’s your favourite party food?
peregrinationgourmande says
Wow! so much work! I love the buffet! xx
Lauren says
Thanks you!
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
I had my first Malteser slice on the weekend. DIVINE!!
Also love Mars Bar slice.
These are great:) I need to flag this page for my future entertaining needs …
Lauren says
Ooh, now you’ve tried it good luck not making it every weekend!
Bec @ The Plumbette says
I love a party and I agree, keeping the food simple is less stress! I love how you used the trucks to serve food. What a great idea! xx
Lauren says
Thanks lovely, it’s all about taking the easy way out I’m afraid 🙂
Bec @ Seeing the Lighter Side says
I might have a go at those scrolls just for snacks for my two boys, they look great! Happy 2nd birthday to your son x #TeamIBOT
Lauren says
Thanks Bec! I hope your boys enjoy them 🙂
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I didn’t realise your little man had glasses too! I’ve pinned these recipes for later because I need inspiration for bubs second birthday in a month 🙂
Lauren says
Yes, he has only had them for a few months after being diagnosed with poor vision which the poor little man has had since he was born. It’s so lovely watching him navigate the world much easier now. Have fun with your party planning x
[email protected] Baby Brothers says
OMG, that food spread looks amazing! Mine is always shop bought goodies except the cake, the cake is all I can manage but I am totally going to try these things in the next few months, especially the scrolls, they look yummy and my fussy eaters may even eat them 🙂 I’m so envious of the blue icing on the cake too, I’m scared of food dye! Maybe next year I’ll give it a go.
Lauren says
It really is pretty easy to put together, you should definitely give food dye a go – what’s the worst that could happen after all 😉
Josefa @always Josefa says
All that food looks amazing! I’d be the mum in the corner sneaking in snacks for myself when the kids weren’t looking 😉
Lauren says
Haha, I would be there with you!
Kris says
Thanks for the ideas! After recently becoming a massive stress head over my daughters first birthday, it will be nice to be prepared for next year 🙂 x
Lauren says
It really can be stressful can’t it?
Shannon @ Oh Creative Day says
Definitely referring back to this at the end of the month when I start planning my little lady’s 2nd birthday. Those sausage rolls look like a must-have!
Happy birthday to your little guy!
Lauren says
Thanks Shannon, I hope this gives you some ideas for your little one’s celebration x
Hugzilla says
Holy crap, that looks amazeballs! And PS. That Mars Bar Slice gets my pulse racing every time.
Lauren says
Thanks but NOTHING comes close to topping your meatball cake!
mummywifeme says
We’re going the simple route for the next b’day celebration in our house too, although Miss Four has announced she wants one of those layered rainbow cakes. I’ll need you on speed dial for that. I’m pleased to say I’ve tried many of your recipes above and they’ve all been a roaring success. Ps. Love the boys in the matching shirts 🙂 xo
Lauren says
Ooh that sounds very pretty and you know I’d be more than happy to help 🙂 Thanks, I can’t resist dressing them in the same clothes, I figure I need to make the most of it while I can!
[email protected] says
Preparation in advance is definitely the key!
Such a great collection of party inspiration. Love that pic of you and the 2 boys, very special. Before you know it you’ll have a 10 and 9 year old! xx
Lauren says
Oh my goodness Dannielle, wash you mouth out! I can’t even IMAGINE that!
[email protected] says
Hehehe, trust me I thought the same thing 7 years ago, just soak every moment up, you certainly look like you’re doing just that, enjoy lovely and Happy FFF! xx
Johanna @ Green Gourmet Giraffe says
great cake and fantastic birthday spread – your little boy is a lucky one to have such a lovely party – I am very fond of grubs for parties (perhaps you know them as rumballs but without rum)
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
This is all my favourite party food – what a spread! Oh, to be two again!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
I forget your boys are so young. How do you find the time?! Butter cakes with buttercream icing are my all time favourite. Nothing beats it.