Put the ‘fun’ back in the ‘family fun’
Jenny Foth has worked as the catering manager, event-coordinator and general culinary magic-maker in some of Salt Lake City’s biggest restaurants. You could call her a “jill of all trades.” But she is also the friend who hosts the neighborhood backyard barbecues in the summer, throws showers during wedding season and is the go-to for impromptu friends’ get-togethers. Not only that, as a mom, she hosts a family-friendly holiday party that include both kids and adults. And she does it with grace and a sense of adventure.
Here are her tips for hosting a successful holiday party that involves the whole family (without driving herself crazy).
Be Realistic
Figure out just how much time and budget you have. It’s important to prioritize and easy, fun experience over perfection. Even a party on a smaller budget can still be impressive and enjoyable, especially with kids. “When I was less experienced, I was trying too hard. It would stress me out, and it was no longer fun.” Jenny says. “And so I’ve gotten good at asking those questions. ‘Realistically, how much time do I have?’ Yes, I want to prep, but do I have time to prep for hours to throw a party? ‘What can we do on a smaller budget that’s just as fun and just as impressive?”
Offer simple, crowd-pleasing foods
Use a variety of easy-to-make foods that appeal to kids and adults. It’s okay to mix pre-made food or purchased foods with a couple of showstoppers you make at home. For an all-ages party, avoid getting too fancy and focus on hearty, fun meals for everyone. Jenny loves setting up a “build your station.” These can be as simple as a taco bar with a few meats and a variety of toppings and salsas or a soup station with two-three soups in crockpots. When planning the menu, Jenny says, “Kids and adults like cheese, we like chips, and we like things we can do with our hands.”
Create kid-friendly spaces
Chaos happens when kids are involved. So anticipate and manage the chaos by reserving kid-friendly zones. Keep the activities simple and self-sufficient so kids can enjoy themselves with less hands-on time for the adults. It is even better if there is a draw for them to keep them absorbed. “I have a basement with no breakables,” Jenny explains, “So when I host parties with kids, I’ll blow up 40 balloons and throw them downstairs. You’d be surprised how much fun a room full of balloons can create. The chaos and noise are expected, but it’s all part of the fun.”
Add a kids-only food station with finger food that isn’t too messy. Think chicken tenders or taquitos, and they will stay entertained for hours.
Put the kids to work
Get your kids involved in party planning and setup. It gives them a sense of ownership in the event and turns them into instant mini-hosts for all the kids showing up. “If I get the kids involved in their particular activity, they take ownership of it,” Jenny says. “I’ll even get their ideas. A lot of the ideas aren’t mine. They come from the kids.”
Separate drink stations
Set up different spots for adult and kid beverages But be sure to make the kids’ drink station just as fun.
Jenny likes to add fun juices, sodas and fun, kid-friendly creative garnishes like gummy bears so kids can make their own unique drinks.
“I keep the station for adult beverages in one corner,” she adds. “And the kids’ table is in a completely different area. That way, if you see a kid at the adult station you know he’s not supposed to be there. Or use specific type of cup, a kind only found on their table.”
Her biggest tip? Practice makes perfect, but no party with kids is ideal. So just start hosting with your kids and embrace the chaos to enjoy the party.
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