How To Throw A Kid-Friendly Dinner Party

Now that we’re parents, we just don’t go out and party till 4 am like we used to. I know, all you single people out there are feeling depressed – give up your party lifestyle? I am pretty sure I’ve partied enough for 5 lifetimes, so it’s okay that I’m not out till the sun comes up in NYC anymore.

However, I haven’t given up parties altogether. The trick is to make them kid-friendly that way you’re not stressed out and can actually ENJOY the party.

1. Host.

Even if you live in a tiny apartment like ours, being in your own envirorment makes everything so much easier. You know the house is already child-proof, the kids are in their element, and when it’s time for bed, you can actually sit down and and enjoy a cocktail knowing they are tucked away in their beds safe and sound.

2. Kid AND Adult friendly Beverages.

Just because you’re not throwing back the bottle of Jack Daniels anymore doesn’t mean your friends aren’t. Last night some guests had whiskey on the rocks, in our Aladdin mason jars.

They’re plastic – which means, even if someone gets a little tipsy, there won’t be any broken glass to clean up or shatter around the kids! Trust me plastic = drunk proof! Then you can really sit back and relax with that cocktail! Even if it is just iced tea (and vodka) haha.

As far as kids – I am obsessed with the fact that you CANNOT REMOVE THE STRAW. It’s brilliance really. Toddlers can’t make a mess, they feel grownup, and they also can’t break them. These are the greatest “sippy cups” ever. I think Aladdin should just call them “Maximo Jars” instead of “Mason Jars.”

3. Kid AND Adult friendly Food.

Dinner parties with kids don’t have to be peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but making a mix of finger foods that both kids and adults can joy makes eating and picking food much easier. Especially when you live in a tiny place like ours. It’s definitely more casual, but that’s the point of fun get togethers, right?

I love that Musselman’s Apple Butter has so many amazing recipes to try – who would think apple butter could be so universal? These bacon, brie and applebutter pinwheels were a HUGE hit with everyone! (I switched up the recipe a little, and they were AMAZING! You should definitely try them! Recipes are at the end of the post.)

We also made two different salads – allowing a variety of options. One had goat cheese, walnuts and cranberries to go with the apple/basil dressing I made.

For dessert, I made homemade Chia Seed Pudding with fresh fruit (thanks to Michelle Marinis’ recipe on mommynearest.com!) – it’s really easy and delicious, and healthy!

4. Simple Decorations

Since it’s spring, we LOVED and thank FTD for sending us these beautiful tulips to brighten up the place for our guests. Instead of putting out lots of fancy party items that we just don’t have the room for (or storage!), we kept it simple with a little pop of color. This way, the toddlers weren’t constantly trying to grab shiny trinkets and break them or put in their mouths!

Turkey Bacon Goat Cheese Pinwheels

*I used bacon and brie instead, no turkey for ours.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter

– 2 oz soft goat cheese

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 1/4 cup pecans, chopped

– salt and pepper to taste.

– 1 lb. real turkey, sliced

– 4 slices bacon, crispy

– 1 can crescent roll dough (or you could make your own!0

Directions: 

– Toast pecans in a skillet on medium heat until they just start to darken or about 5 minutes. Combine the apple butter and goat cheese until smooth. Add in the onions and pecans. Season with salt and pepper.

– Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unroll dough and even out the sides to form a rectangle.

– Take 2/3 of the apple butter mixture and evenly spread over the dough to the edges. Layer the turkey slices in two layers across the dough. Cut slices as needed to make sure all the dough is covered. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the turkey.

– Starting at one of the short sides, tightly roll the dough the whole way across. Chill dough log, seam side down, for 10 to 15 minutes.

– Using a serrated knife, cut the log into 12 slices. Place slices on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 17 minutes (or golden brown).

– Serve warm, with the remaining spread on the side as a dip.

Basil and Apple Scented Dressing

Ingredients:

– 4 tbsp Musselman’s Apple Butter

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2-4 tbsp Musselman’s Apple Cider Vinegar

– 1 sprig basil (15-20 leaves)

Directions:

– Add all ingredients to a blender and mix until thick and smooth.

– Serve over a salad or steamed veggies.

**I was not compensated for this post, but I was sent Musselman’s Apple Butter to make the recipes, and flowers from FTD.