Throwing parties is so much fun for me. I go all out. I’ll make elaborate menus and my decor tends to be over the top. Once I had Kendall, the same passion for throwing a dinner party rolled over into throwing kids parties. But when we discovered her food allergies at the young age of 6 months, my thoughts of planning a big first birthday party screeched to a halt.
What do I serve? What kind of cake do I get?
I admit it wasn’t the grandest birthday party and the cake was not photographable yet edible…I think. Perhaps my first attempt at a dairy free cake wasn’t that great, but nonetheless we all had a great time celebrating her first year of life. As time went on and my knowledge base increased I started to feel more comfortable providing alternatives for those with food allergies.
So here are my three best allergen-free party alternatives that I found are:
1. Offer Soy Delicious ice cream There is never a time that a pint of either cookie dough or chocolate obsession is not in this house. And their creamy vanilla is a perfect topping for peach cobbler. It’s also a great alternative for those throwing an ice cream themed summer party. A sundae bar where children can decorate their own ice cream is great, but be sure to have alternatives available and clearly labeled.
2. Bake or get an allergen free cake There are so many recipes for a birthday cake, here is my favorite, but also scouring your local scene and partnering with a bakery can and will make your life that much easier. Dee, owner of Dee’s One Smart Cookie, makes AMAZING cakes and cupcakes that we are there probably at least once a week. You can even make your own allergen-free cake pops!
3. Create a sandwich bar In lieu of pizza, why not have a sandwich bar where everyone can make their own sandwiches? We did this for Kendall’s second birthday and I received so many compliments from parents saying that it was refreshing to have something healthy instead of pizza and soda. I mean there is nothing wrong with pizza and soda, but be sure to have choices. Or if you know everyone attending well, create ahead of time lunch boxes to make things that much easier.
What are some other alternatives you provide? Leave your comments below to help other busy moms throw the best and safest parties on the block!
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I am both sad to see and happy to see that you blog about allergies! My oldest has multiple food allergies and I know what a struggle it can be some times, especially at parties! I love your ideas for food at parties. I wanted to share what I did for his last party which was a Make Your Own Pasta Salad Bar. http://www.cupcakesandcutlery.com/lego-dance-party-kids-birthday/
There were multiple kids with food allergies and while I did still provide items they couldn’t eat, such as cow’s milk cheese, I tried my best to only put out items they would be safe with and made sure to discuss with each of them if there was something they couldn’t have. Everyone was really happy with this! Last year we did a make your own snack mix for an afternoon party that was also a hit. http://www.cupcakesandcutlery.com/ziggy-stardust-inspired-space-5th-birthday-party-part-1/ So often, the allergy kids don’t get options. They get one safe snack while they watch the other kids get tons of choices. This snack bar was 100% allergen free (at least my son’s allergies) and he could have whatever he wanted. It made me so happy! And BTW, your printables, designs and such…perfection!
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for responding and sharing your parties! Great job! I love how mix in great party design and activities/food. Perhaps we can work together in the future!
xo,
B