Gluten Free Birthday Party Food

A few weeks ago, my big little girl turned 8. I thought I would share with you how we put this party together…

Basic Information:

Age of birthday girl: 8

Guests: 8 (loud and giggly) girls from school

Theme: Bird Craft Party

Colours: Green and Pink

This year, Miss A invited a little friend who is gluten intolerant and my daughter cannot eat certain seeds or nuts. I decided the all the food would be gluten free and that I would not use any nuts or seeds. Really, how hard could it be?

I was actually really surprised by how easy it was to ensure all the food was gluten and nut free. I asked facebook (of course), I googled and I asked friends who are gluten free for advice.

After this many years of having parties, I decided I would be smart about food THIS time and not get carried away. I have been the mum up until midnight the night before a party cooking and baking and making decorations, it is exhausting! I have learnt that the reality is, kids don’t eat much food at parties, they just want to play. I kept the food simple, fresh and fun.

Here is what I put together…

I posted the recipe for these gluten free chocolate crackles earlier in the week, find the link here. We also had bowls of chips, and enough of everything to refill bowls and plates. The girls had pink lemonade in jars complete with paper straws. So very cute and retro!

Now, the cake…

Sigh.

I HATE to admit this…. but… I burnt the cake. Yes, even someone who cooks as much as I do.

I bought a Macro brand chocolate mud cake packet mix. I had spoken to a few people who suggested that using a packet mix ensures that it is definitely gluten free, also, some gluten free recipes require very specific kinds of flours, by going for a packet meant that I wouldn’t have those things in my cupboard. But, I burnt it.

So… there was no cake.

We had made two toned jelly in glasses that we were going to put out on the table with the rest of the party food. I decided that we would have this in place of a cake. I popped out to buy some gluten free ice-cream (Bulla brand) and, when it came time for cake, I had to explain to the 8 year olds and their mums that I burnt the cake!

However, the jelly was actually a huge hit! The girls sat on the back steps or on the trampoline and ate their jelly and ice-cream. It was actually a lot less mess than cake - no crumbs!

When it came time for party bags, I had decided we would give our little guests a gift rather than food, I had no idea so many lollies had gluten in them! I found some truly gorgeous vintage inspired copper cookie cutters, I tied them to my ornamental birdcage with green and pink ribbon. It was then the centre piece on the table with the party food, which looked so lovely!

The girls were very pleased with their little gift, as were the mums. It was a lovely feeling knowing I was giving them something that they could use again and again.

Tips on catering for a gluten free party:

ask friends and family for gluten free recipes and ideas
talk to the GF child’s parent before the party to ask about foods the child likes/dislikes
talk to the GF child’s parent and let them know which foods will be gluten free
read labels and google, you will be surprised by how much doesn’t have gluten as much as you will surprised by what does have gluten!
consider giving out a gift rather than a traditional party bag: pens, books, cookie cutters, necklaces, craft packs etc

I hope that this post helps you plan your next child’s party. Food allergies are becoming more and more prevalent and as someone with a child with food allergies, it is so good knowing that the hosting mummy has taken some time thinking about the food that is offered at a party.

Oh, and as mentioned… this was a CRAFT party! Next week I will share the craft project the girls had fun making!

Digg Digg

BBeingCool (11 Posts)

Belinda (aka B), from BBeingCool is a SAHM to three young adorable children, she also teaches year 6 part-time. B is madly trying to be cool, before she needs to wear comfortable shoes and elasticised pants. B has been learning that to be cool is to be true to who you really are: so B indulges in lots of cooking, 60s inspired living and Op Shopping. B will be sharing recipes and cooking tips with readers of 'And Sew We Craft'. She does do some craft, but talks too much to get anything substantial done!