Toddler party menu planning ideas?

[amalnahurriyeh]

I'm planning my son's second birthday party, and could use some ideas.




So here are our parameters:

Our household is gluten-free. My son eats meat, but at least one of the toddler guests is a vegetarian, as am I and one of the other parents. I'm feeding six or seven toddlers, their parents, and a bunch of aunties, uncles, and grandparents. Given the toddlers and my desire not to do dishes, I'm thinking that I'll do all finger food.

So far, my thoughts are these:

Tortilla espanola, made in a shallow pan and cut into bite sized pieces
Hot dogs, quartered, diced, and sauteed in butter
Apple and pear slices (seasonal here right now)
Corn chips (I feel like dip will be a germ breeding ground so not for the kids)
Mini cupcakes (because mini!)

Maybe also a cheese plate for the adults? What else? I've got to sustain twenty or thirty people through a four hour party, and I like to make a copious spread.



Thanks for your help!

Comments

[amalnahurriyeh]

Pita's not GF, and it's a pain to make GF, but hummus and crackers and veg would be pretty tasty.

Your mention of brats reminded me of the good Italian chicken sausages my roommate bought on accident--they'd be great for this.

You know, I have an ice cream maker...but the image of giving people under three feet tall melting chocolate sugar and setting them free in my living room is giving me some anxiety. LOL. I've made chocolate cookies with almond pastry cream filling before...those might be pretty great as an alternate dessert...hmm, maybe some chocolate mint ones too? Cooooooookies.