Suggestions for Pool Party for 1St Birthday

Is this a wading pool party?? If so, cute idea!!!

I agree with the "keep it simple" theme. You will have a difficult time finding compatible food for toddlers and adults. Have simple foods for the kids---mac & cheese, cut-up melon, homemade chicken nuggets that you make ahead of time. You can rent small chafers to keep the pasta hot from a party rental company pretty inexpensively. You could partially pre-cook chicken breasts (buy the bags of boneless, skinless at Costco) ahead of time, then finish them on the grill at the party. Serve them as grilled sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes, pesto mayo, sauteed onions (can be made 2-3 days ahead), a fresh pasta salad (you can also make that the day ahead), a fruit bowl (the kids can eat that), maybe some baked beans. Everything can be prepared ahead of time, set up your buffet the day ahead as well so that you'll know where exactly you'll place everything when it's time to serve. Have your salad, pesto mayo, etc. in a covered bowl in fridge, so all you need to do is take it out and put it on the table at serving time. Set up a small bar on a table outside and try to keep the food inside so you don't have to worry about flies. Keep it simple and save the big bucks for parties where she cares and knows what's going on!!

Hi C.,

The only suggestionis make it simple and the foods that 1 year olds like, unless you are having it for their parents!! BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY is to make sure someone monitors the pool AT ALL TIMES! Too many times people think all the children are accounted for only to find one at the bottom of the pool!! I am assuming because of the age, that ALL of their parents will be there. It should be made clear, that they are to keep track of their little ones for pool safety! Things happen fast!!

I have three children (who are now 8, 12, and 14) and I own a party business. One resounding issue about food is don't spend a ton of money on food for the kids. Kids at parties don't eat! They might graze, but on the whole, they just don't eat. So, the food is mostly about the adults at the party. If you have a pool party, keep it simple with a luau feast or something. I had a great deal of success buying El Pollo Loco chicken and serving it with steamed washed cloths. People felt special and it didn't cost a fortune. I like your idea of doing a multi-cultural spread (very popular) and it is fun, but can get crazy. It will only really work (and not break the already stretching piggy bank) if you keep things simple. Focus on what feeds large groups (ie. Spanish rice, Swedish meatballs, Czech dumplings) Whatever you do, try not to think bigger than your pocketbook. I could give more suggestions, but it would really help me to have more information. Email me if you're interested at ____@____.com and with a few answered questions, I might be able to make a much better menu for you.
Have fun either way---that's the whole point of a party, right?!

We went a pool party this summer for 5 year-old twins. They hired a lifeguard who kept a constant eye on the pool. My husband and I still stayed very close to our children but I thought it was the best idea. Too many adults around and everyone thinks someone is watching but actually no one is.

As far as food I would suggest catering from you favorite fast-food restaurant (Rubios, Wahoo's etc.)

Have fun!