Did you know that approximately 30% of children have difficulty accepting new foods, especially in social situations? This can be a real challenge when you’re hosting a party and want to welcome both children and adults. Creating a kid-friendly snack platter is crucial to ensure that everyone feels included in the festivities. In this blog post, we’ll share some handy tips and creative ideas to create a snack platter that’s not only tasty, but also visually appealing to your little guests. This way, you can throw a party that both young and old can enjoy!
What is a child-friendly drinks platter?
A kid-friendly snack platter is a creative and tasty way to let children enjoy healthy snacks during a social event. This concept not only offers a visually appealing assortment of snacks, but also takes into account the specific needs and tastes of younger guests. In this section, we explore the basics of a snack platter and how you can adapt it to create a safe and tasty experience for children.
The basics of a drinks platter
A snack platter usually consists of a variety of snacks that are both sweet and savory. The idea is to offer different flavors and textures, so that there is something for everyone. When creating a child-friendly snack platter, it is important to keep the following basic principles in mind:
- Variety: Provide a mix of different foods, such as vegetables, fruits, cheese, crackers and dips.
- Presentation: An attractive presentation makes the food more interesting for children. Use colorful plates and bowls to serve the snacks.
- Convenience: Choose snacks that are easy to grab so kids can enjoy them independently.
Safety and taste
When putting together a kid-friendly snack platter, it’s crucial to choose foods that are both safe and tasty. Here are some tips and suggestions:
Safe food
- Cheese: Choose soft cheeses such as Witch's cheese or LeerdammerThese are safe for kids and can easily be eaten on crackers or with vegetables.
- Vegetables: Cut carrots, cucumbers and peppers into fun shapes. For example, use a Hape vegetable cutting set for a playful presentation.
- Fruit: Offer a mix of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, grapes, and banana slices. Use a Tefal fruit juicer to make original fruit juices.
Tasty options
- Dips: Use kid-friendly dips like hummus or guacamole. Brands like Nudie Snacks offer healthy dips without artificial additives.
- Crackers and chips: Choose whole wheat crackers such as Ritz Original or healthier chips like Pom BearThese are slightly salty and attractive to children.
- Sweets: For a sweet touch, try mini muffins or cookies from brands such as Bakery on Main offer. Make sure that these do not contain too much sugar.
Examples of a child-friendly drinks platter
An example of a child-friendly drinks platter could look like this:
| Component | Sample product | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Witch's cheese | Soft and easy to dip |
| Vegetables | Hape vegetable cutting set | Nice shapes for presentation |
| Fruit | Tefal fruit juicer | Freshly cut and squeezed |
| Dips | Nudie Snacks | Healthy and tasty |
| Crackers | Ritz Original | Easy to grab |
| Sweets | Bakery on Main | Mini muffins or cookies |
Creative presentation
Presenting a snack platter can significantly increase children's enjoyment of eating. Here are some tips to get your creativity flowing:
- Use different colored plates and bowls to make the board come alive.
- Make fun shapes, such as stars or hearts, using a cutter set.
- Involve the children in making the snack platter. Let them help choose and arrange the snacks.
With these guidelines and examples, you can easily create a kid-friendly snack platter that is both safe and appealing to younger guests. This will make the kids feel welcome, while also allowing parents to enjoy a carefree occasion.
Which ingredients are suitable?
A kid-friendly snack platter can be a great way to introduce kids to different flavors and textures while enjoying healthy snacks. Below, we discuss different types of ingredients that are easy to incorporate into an appealing snack platter for kids.
Healthy Snacks
Fruit
Fruit is a great way to introduce kids to sweet treats in a healthy way. Here are some ideas:
- Bananas: Easy to slice and children often enjoy them.
- Grapes: Easy to grab and do not require cutting.
- Apples: Cut them into slices and possibly add a little lemon juice to prevent discolouration.
- Strawberries: These can be served whole or halved and are always a hit.
Specific products: Think organic fruit from brands like Ekoplaza or AH Organic for a responsible choice.
Vegetables with Dips
Vegetables are a must-have on any snack platter. They not only provide crunch, but are also nutritious. Some options include:
- Cucumber: Cut into long strips for a crunchy snack.
- Carrot sticks: These can be served with hummus or tzatziki.
- Bell pepper: In various colors for visual appeal.
Dips:
- Hummus from brands such as The Hummus Shop or Alpha.
- Tzatziki from Yam or homemade with yoghurt and cucumber.
Cheese cubes and crackers
Cheese is a popular choice among children and can be an excellent source of calcium. Choose:
- Cheese cubes: Varieties such as young Gouda cheese or Edam are gentle on children's tongues.
- Mini cheeses: Babybel or Leerdammer are easy to grab and fun to eat.
Crackers:
- Wasa crispbread or LU Crackers are good options. They are crunchy and complement the snack board.
Sweet Treats
For a little extra sweetness on the snack platter, the following delicacies can be added:
- Mini muffins: These can be made with whole wheat flour and filled with fruit, such as blueberries or bananas. Brands such as Hema also offer ready-made variants.
- Candies: Choose a limited number of sweets such as Haribo gummy bears or Wine gums that can be served in small quantities. This ensures that the sweets are not too overpowering.
Sample Snack Board
| Ingredient | Sample Product | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | AH Organic Grapes | Easy to grab |
| Vegetables | Cucumber and Carrots | Healthy and crunchy |
| Dip | Hummus from The Hummus Shop | Healthy addition |
| Cheese | Babybel or young Gouda cheese | Child-friendly options |
| Crackers | Wasa crispbread | Perfect for dips |
| Sweet treats | Mini muffins from Hema | For a sweet ending |
| Candies | Haribo gummy bears | Limit the amount |
By combining these ingredients in a colorful and playful way, you create a snack platter that is both appealing and nutritious. The variety of flavors and textures will encourage children to try new things and enjoy their eating experience.
Creative Presentation of the Snack Board for Children
An attractive presentation of the snack board can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to children. A playful and colorful design not only arouses the interest of the little ones, but also makes it more fun to try healthy snacks. Here are some tips to present the snack board attractively and creatively.
Use of Colorful Scales
Colorful bowls are a great way to grab kids' attention. Consider using bowls from brands like IKEA or HEMA, which often offer a wide range of vibrant colors and shapes.
- Example: The IKEA MÅLA series has bowls in various colours that are perfect for serving snacks.
- Advantages:
- Brightly colored bowls make the presentation more cheerful.
- They stimulate children's curiosity, making them more likely to taste.
Fun Shapes and Theme Elements
Using dishes and tableware in fun shapes can make the presentation even more attractive. Think of plates in the shape of animals or stars. Brands such as Tefal and Pip Studio offer fun designs that are perfect for a children's party.
- Example: The Pip Studio Plates with colorful flowers and animals create a playful look.
- Advantages:
- Children are attracted to the unique shapes and designs.
- It makes serving food more fun and interesting.
Creative Snack Presentation
Make sure the snacks themselves are presented attractively. This can be done by using different shapes and colours. Here are some ideas:
- fruit skewers: Use a variety of fruits in different colors, such as strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple. Thread them onto wooden sticks for a playful presentation.
- Vegetable tower: Stack cucumber, pepper and carrot pieces on top of each other on a platter for a colorful tower.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches: Cut the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters, such as stars or hearts.
Theme Related Decorations
Consider tailoring your snack board to a specific theme, such as a jungle party or an underwater world. Use decorations that match the theme, such as:
- Jungle theme: Green bowls and decorations of animals such as lions and monkeys.
- Underwater theme: Blue bowls and decorations of fish and starfish.
Examples of Products
Here are some products you can use to enhance the creativity of your snack board:
| Product | Description | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA MÅLA Bowls | Colorful, child-friendly bowls | IKEA |
| Pip Studio Plates | Playful plates with colorful designs | Pip Studio |
| Tefal Nice Serving Plates | Made in playful shapes | Tefal |
| Wooden Skewers | For making fruit skewers | HEMA or online stores |
By using these tips and products, you ensure that the snack board is not only a source of nutrition, but also a source of fun and creativity. When children are involved in making and presenting their snacks, this will certainly enrich their eating experience.
Conclusion: A festive drinks platter for the little ones!
In conclusion, putting together a kid-friendly snack platter for your party can be a fun and creative way to let children enjoy healthy and tasty snacks. By taking into account children’s preferences, safety and possible allergies, you can provide an attractive and safe option that meets the needs of all young guests. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can ensure that your snack platter is a great success and that everyone can enjoy the party.
