I am hosting a dinner party. How long should a dinner party last? There will be young children attending.?

Question

My husband and I do not have children, so I would like some suggestions on how to create a dinner party that both the adults and children will enjoy. I want the children to feel included while allowing the parents to be able to enjoy a good meal. My Mom suggested having some activities for the children so that the parents could enjoy their meal. I would really appreciate some suggestions!

Answer 1

In our family, the children sat nearby at a small table. Their moms fixed their plates for them. After they have finished, have a video. There are many cute cartoon movies ( check out those penquins!!) that will keep them happy so the adults can visit.

Answer 2

Well I have 4 children of my own and will give you some ideas I've used when hosting children and things that people have done for me when they've hosted us.

I like it a lot when the adults serve something special for the kids such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs etc. My recommendation is this. Serve the kids dinner while the adults enjoy an appetizer. This makes it more relaxing since the mom can oversee their children's eating and get them totally satisfied while they have a stop and go snack theirselves. I recommend this because mothers always end up making a dozen trips back and forth for extra napkins, replacing the dropped spoon, more milk etc. while our dinner chills! We are always a little nervous when we take our kids somewhere since we don't want ketchup on their carpeting or the milk spilt etc. After the kids have ate--this really only takes 15 minutes have a variety of activities that are not messy and quiet. For example I would recommend going to the local library and checking out a few children's picture books and videos. The kids may be able to entertain themselves with that. I would also put up any lovely breakable things so Mom doesn't have to worry about the kids being out of site! The children will explore your stuff so shut your bedroom door! Take medication and "embarassing" items out of your bathroom if the children are old enough to use it by themselves. Then complete the adult meal making sure there is plenty in case the kids want to sample it themselves. Warning an amazing # of kids are shrimp hogs! Even the picky eaters. After the kids have been fed clear the table (if you're going all out get them some of those zoo paper plates for the kids) and then reset for the adults. (This is assuming you don't have two separate tables to serve on!) The party should begin between 5:30 and 6:30 and the kids will let you know when its over with! If they are only bringing 1 kid then serve them with the parents. Usually with the first child they are quite used to sitting at the adult table. If there are a lot of kids the suggestion to get a sitter to come in to entertain them is excellent but I would stick to the same format I outlined above. I would also plan to keep them in my own house since the parents may not be comfortable letting their children leave with a stranger.

Answer 3

You may want to set up a kids table next to the adult table. They can pretend to be hosting their own little dinner party. Serve sparkling cider or apple juice as a beverage. (Looks like champagne and even the bottle does too) Can buy at any supermarket. You can buy PLASTIC wine glasses at a party store that look like the real thing, but don't hafta worry about breaking and can be RE-USED for another time. After dinner I would provide some activities for them such as a craft or designing a picture of "their dinner party". Kids love to imitate adults. You could even let them play "dress up" before dinner if you have some clothes they can use or have parents bring along something they can change into. (Suggestion: Change from everyday clothes into "formal" dinner attire. Maybe some costume jewelry for girls and cuff links for the boys. and a flower for their lapel for the boys.) Also, with SUPERVISION, a LITTLE perfume or aftershave.

Answer 4

My daughter is young, 2 years old but, my suggestion would be cook a good meal for the adults and something that the kids would like too! Maybe even some snacks for the kids and games for them to play. For how long it should last I would say probably about 2 hours because much longer the kids will probably get bored depending on age.

Answer 5

Will the children be eating with you?A Dinner party should last maybe 2 hours.Appetizers,drinks---then Dinner.After that Dessert,and coffee.I don't know where the children will be playing during that time.If they are very young(toddler) ask Mom to bring their favorite Barney movie.Be sure they can be seen if not on the room with everyone.Make a meal that can be set in the oven on warm while you have the drinks and appetizers.The dessert should be lite--pudding in tall glasses and topped with cool-whip--everyone (kids,too) likes pudding(make ahead)....Happy eating.

Answer 6

I'd say about 3 hours. That's enough time for guests arriving, a few drinks and socializing, then about 45 minutes for dinner, then coffee and talking.

For the kids, I'd make them their own special table so they feel sort of grown-up and not eating in front of the TV waiting for their parents. Depending on how old they are, maybe have a jigsaw puzzle for them to all work on together. That way they have fun and aren't running around.

Just some thoughts.

Answer 7

I would def suggest preparing a different meal for the children. Something simple like fries, hotdogs, hambers, or chicken fingers. You may want to go out and purchase some coloring books & crayons. Or whats better than a DVD something good for all ages. Thats sure to keep them busy at least 2 hours. I'd suggest dersert be something really simple, like pound cake or bakery cookies.

Answer 8

I would hire a "sitter" to take care of the kids while the adults can have some fun; depending on how many kids (I wouldn't saddle one person with more then 4 kids), hire 2...let them keep the kids away from the adults; provide a separate area in the house where the kids can watch TV, play games, eat and nap if necessary; Since kids are coming, I'd have it on a weekend, starting at 5pm-8pm...If a couple of adult invitees have a house next door, have the sitters go there with the kids-out of sight, out of mind! Remember, adults need to have away time from there kids as well...

Answer 9

That I'm never going to host another dinner party.

Answer 10

I'd say around 3-4 hours tops should be appropriate with young children attending...