Right, let’s dive in! I was chatting with Rachel the other day, and we got onto the topic of kid-friendly celebrations. Specifically, how to make them memorable without losing your mind in the process! As a mother of 2 young children, she knows the highs and lows of children’s party planning all too well! We’re talking birthday parties, holiday gatherings, the whole shebang. Rachel explained the key is to have something that’s genuinely appealing to a range of ages, keeps them entertained, and hopefully allows the adults a little bit of relaxation, too. One thing she swears by? A build-your-own sundae bar.
The Sundae Supreme:
“Honestly,” she told me, “it’s a guaranteed hit. Kids love ice cream, and the sheer customisability makes it engaging for everyone.” Here’s how Rachel suggests setting it up:
- Ice Cream Bonanza: Don’t just stick to vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Go for a few exciting flavours! Think bubblegum, cookies and cream, maybe even a salted caramel. Crucially, offer dairy-free options. Coconut-based or oat milk ice cream works a treat, and it’s always appreciated by those with dietary requirements.
- Toppings Galore: This is where you can really go wild. Rachel suggests dividing the toppings into sections: crunchy, chewy, fruity, and chocolatey. Think crushed Oreos, chopped nuts (check for allergies!), gummy bears, sprinkles (of course!), chocolate chips, fresh berries, mini marshmallows, and even broken-up pieces of fudge. Again, include gluten-free options like gluten-free sprinkles and certain candies. Think about offering some different flavour combinations, that are easily displayed on a little card on the table.
- Sauce It Up: Chocolate sauce is a must, naturally. But consider other options like caramel, strawberry, or even a hot fudge sauce (be careful with younger children). Rachel recommends labelling each sauce clearly, especially if you’re using homemade ones.
- Whipped Cream Clouds: Freshly whipped cream always elevates a sundae. You can even get flavoured whipped creams now! And yes, you guessed it, dairy-free whipped cream is readily available.
- The Presentation is Key: Use clear bowls or jars for the toppings so the kids can see everything. A tiered display can look really impressive, too. And don’t forget spoons and napkins!
Beyond the Sundae:
Rachel is a strong believer in having some extra activities to keep the kids occupied, especially if there are different age groups present. “The sundae bar is great, but it won’t hold their attention for the entire afternoon!” she laughed.
- Decorate-Your-Own Bowl: Buy plain paper bowls and let the kids decorate them with markers, stickers, and glitter before they even build their sundaes. It’s a fun activity that also provides a practical purpose.
- Sundae-Themed Crafts: Rachel’s kids love making ice cream cone decorations out of felt or card. You could also set up a station where they can design their own sundae menu.
- Party Games with a Twist: Classic party games can be adapted to fit the sundae theme. For example, pin the cherry on the sundae, or a sundae-themed scavenger hunt.
- Age-Appropriate Options: Consider the age range of the children attending. Younger children might need help with the sundae bar, while older children might enjoy more challenging crafts or games.
Grandparent Approved:
I asked Rachel how she involves the older generations in her parties. Her answer was simple: nostalgia! “Grandparents love reminiscing,” she explained. “Ask them to share stories about their favourite ice cream shops from their youth. It’s a lovely way to connect the generations.” You could even create a little “memory lane” display with old photos and ice cream-related memorabilia.
Orangery Oasis:
Now, this isn’t relevant to everyone, but Rachel mentioned that her orangery has been a game-changer for home entertaining. She uses it as a bright and airy space for parties, especially during the colder months. The natural light makes it feel like you’re outdoors, even when you’re not. Plus, it’s a great way to bring the outdoors inside, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The kids can spill out onto the patio area, while the adults can relax in the orangery, keeping an eye on everything but still having their own space.
Putting It All Together:
Rachel summed it up brilliantly: “Kid-friendly celebrations are all about creating a fun and engaging environment for everyone. A build-your-own sundae bar is a fantastic starting point, but it’s the extra touches – the games, the crafts, the intergenerational connections – that truly make it special.” It’s about customisability for the kids and creating a relaxed atmosphere for the adults and grandparents who can take part in the occasion! Also ensuring that there is enough space so that everyone can enjoy themselves is important.
