Reception Menu Ideas for Kids

You're happy that the kids are coming to your wedding, but you have a sneaking suspicion that the impressive food stations you and your caterer have set up are not going to be so impressive to the little ones. Not to worry, though. Several Charlotte-area caterers and restaurateurs have come up with some unique ideas that may make your grown-up guests want to hang out at the kids’ table!

Basic comfort foods like chicken tenders, French fries, pizza, pasta, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will please even the pickiest eaters. Scott Atkinson of Charlotte’s Center Stage at NoDa cautions, “If they can’t identify it, they’re not going to eat it.” He starts with great food like real strips of chicken and hand-cut fries, adds a toy and some healthy snacks, and then puts it all in individual baskets lined to complement the wedding colors for an instant “picnic.” He tops it all off with a stack of jelly bean-encrusted cupcakes (also in the wedding colors) and keeps the kids happy all through the reception.

Since receptions are usually busy and often distracting affairs, many locations offer separate spaces for children and adults. While the adults enjoy their seated dinner and a band, the kids can have a DJ and a buffet of fun foods. Kay Emad, owner of uptown Charlotte’s Bentley’s on 27 restaurant, says Bentley’s can provide two adjacent parties. With a pasta or pizza station, an exotic satay station, and treats like chocolate-covered marshmallows, pretzels, and strawberries, the kids won’t care what you’re eating. And chances are you’ll have plenty of volunteers to oversee your junior dinner guests.

Of course, many adults are also lovers of kid-friendly food (we grew up on it!), so why not serve it to everyone? Kristi Martin, senior catering sales manager at The Westin Hotel in uptown Charlotte, suggests coming up with your personal favorite. She has created parties with themed foods that are sure to please everyone. If you can dream it, it can likely be done — from a tropical luau to gourmet backyard burgers and fixings to around-the-world tasting stations.

So wherever you’re eating, just ask the chef — you can bet he or she will have plenty of yummy solutions! ~BP