Would you expect food/eat at this time?

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Hi all,

I'm planning G's first birthday party (where did the time go?!) and sending out invites today.

I planned to start the party at 2pm b/c that seems to be a good time of day for G with napping and whatnot and it would give me enough time to get the place ready and meet the caterer. The facility will let me in at 11am.

I had planned to have sandwich rings, rigatoni, and chicken fingers, among other lunch/party type food.

My question is, would you expect to have this type of food if you were attending a party that started at 2pm? Would you be likely to eat at a party that started at 2pm?

I have the flexibility to have the party earlier, I'm just nervous that I'm going to spend a decent chunk of change on food and no one is going to eat it.

TIA!

 

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I should add, we're having a "moustache bash" - and on the invite I designed it says..

 Food. Drink. Cake. Moustaches. 

smynings_bride

I would put on the invitation that lunch will be provided so people can plan accordingly. 

MandyMilller

Agreed, if you want to serve lunch I'd probably call that out. If I was taking my kids to a 2:00 party I'd feed them first b/c I can't hold off lunch that long. By 2:00 we'd probably just be snacking.

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MandyMilller:

Agreed, if you want to serve lunch I'd probably call that out. If I was taking my kids to a 2:00 party I'd feed them first b/c I can't hold off lunch that long. By 2:00 we'd probably just be snacking.

Would 1 be any better, Mandy? 

egpitt22

I would just specify that lunch would be served, because at 2pm if I didn't know any better, I would only expect some light snacks and cake. 

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egpitt22:

I would just specify that lunch would be served, because at 2pm if I didn't know any better, I would only expect some light snacks and cake. 

Would you expect lunch type food if it was 1?  

AmandaJLewis

I would eat at your party, and probably just not cook dinner later. But I usually eat lunch at like 11.

egpitt22

ryanthegirl:

egpitt22:

I would just specify that lunch would be served, because at 2pm if I didn't know any better, I would only expect some light snacks and cake. 

Would you expect lunch type food if it was 1?  

hmm....probably.  I don't think there's anything wrong with serving lunch at 2pm, I would just specify so that people don't show up full. If I were bringing the kids, I would probably give them some snacks around noon to hold them over, then let them eat lunch at the party.  And like Amanda said, I would enjoy it as an excuse to not have to cook dinner!

MandyMilller

Yes, I'd be able to hold them off until 1 with snacks. And, if I recall correctly, you said it was mostly adults anyway and they can definitely eat at 1. 2 is probably still late for lunch for me, and I don't like early dinner so I'd eat very light at 2 even if I was aware there'd be food. I wouldn't be like annoyed or anything, but if you don't want to have leftovers I'd really try not to overbuy.

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Thanks for the input, everyone. I really appreciate it. 

I printed the invitations, but it's not a big deal to either put an insert in that lunch will be served OR change the time to 1pm and reprint them. I was trying to avoid the latter, and 2pm really does work better for us, I think. My self-imposed deadline to get them in the mail is tomorrow. I better make up my mind!

Since G just kind of nibbles throughout the day it's hard for me to keep in mind older kids who eat more on a typical schedule.

Thanks again! 

MandyMilller

Definitely do what's best for you guys! It's his party!

Also you put on there that there would be food, so I'd imagine people will save some room. Maybe have some to-go containers or just plates with foil on hand in case you end up having to distribute leftovers.

waltsgirl102503

I wouldn't reprint them - maybe when people RSVP, you can let them know that you'll be having food, and to eat a light lunch.  

AmandaJLewis

waltsgirl102503:

I wouldn't reprint them - maybe when people RSVP, you can let them know that you'll be having food, and to eat a light lunch.  

Yea, this.  Plus the invite says FOOD. not just cake.  

egpitt22

Oh if you've already printed them, I wouldn't worry about it at all!  People will eat if they want to, I would never be offended if I showed up somewhere and there was plenty of food  

amyjoy18

I don't know if it's just my family or circle of friends, but I've never been to a party where food hasn't been served, regardless of time. So I go to all parties assuming that you're going to feed me. 

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amyjoy18:

I don't know if it's just my family or circle of friends, but I've never been to a party where food hasn't been served, regardless of time. So I go to all parties assuming that you're going to feed me. 

Me too! It is the reason I go to parties, so I don't have to feed myself!

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Excellent suggestion about just giving them an FYI when they RSVP. Thank you thank you!

denalea

amyjoy18:

I don't know if it's just my family or circle of friends, but I've never been to a party where food hasn't been served, regardless of time. So I go to all parties assuming that you're going to feed me. 

This was my thought, too.  I guess I always assume party = food.  Unless something specifically just said "dessert" or "cake and ice cream" or "munchies" I would go hungry.