Birthday Party Etiquette for the 21st Century

Of course you'll serve birthday cake, but do you have to feed these kids lunch, too? Depending on the time of day the party is held, you just might. "Most of the parties we go to are from 11:30 to 1, so we expect lunch to be served," says Sophia. "If the parties are mid-afternoon, then I feed the kids lunch beforehand." Typical birthday party fare includes pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken fingers. If your child is very picky and unlikely to eat whatever will be served, feed him or her ahead of time. Sending food along just for your child is rude, unless your child has food allergies or specific needs, (e.g., a kosher diet) that aren't likely to be met by the kid-friendly food served at the party.

If a big crowd of parents or adult guests is expected for the party, it's a good idea to offer adult beverages, salads, and slightly more grown-up fare. It doesn't have to be champagne and caviar, but the moms might not get by for the whole afternoon on chicken nuggets and Juicy Juice.