5 ways to get the kids to help at Christmas
Involve children of all ages with your Christmas party planning and get them to lend a hand with simple recipes, decorations and creative craft ideas.
It’s the season for entertaining, but if you already have your hands full with the kids it can feel a little daunting to invite others into your home. Try involving the younger members of your family in the party preparations – it can be a great way to encourage them into the kitchen and make them feel included in the celebrations.
You can also learn more from our guide on how to cater for a party.
1. Get kids in the kitchen
Have a think about the type of party you’re throwing and choose a few simple dishes that the kids can help to prepare. For a family-friendly Christmas buffet, dishes with readymade puff pastry such as mini sausage rolls and twisty cheese straws are a quick and easy solution. If you’re cooking a more formal meal, little ones can help to wash the vegetables or weigh the ingredients.
Find more ideas with our top party food collection.
2. Baking and desserts
When it comes to sweet treats, our Christmas for kids collection is packed full of desserts and nibbles that kids will enjoy baking over the holidays. Spend some quality time together the day before the big event and choose an easy recipe they can be proud of – try these chocolate orange cookies or our fabulous winter wonderland cake.
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3. Decorate with style
Before the guests arrive, the kids can help make the house feel truly festive with a few homemade Christmas decorations! Learn how to make a paper snowflake, then string some together to make a garland or display them in the windows. You can also follow our guide on how to make fake snow and how to make a snow globe – at the very least, it’ll keep them busy while you crack on with the main course!
4. Homemade menus
If your child is old enough to write, get them to practise their handwriting by creating homemade food and drink menus. Most kids will love the chance to hand out the menus to guests as they arrive, and your visitors will appreciate the handmade charm. Very little ones can still help by colouring in the borders or adding stickers.
5. Making easy drinks
For those looking to get more hands-on, offering the responsibility of taking – and perhaps even making – drinks orders can be a great opportunity. Encourage them to become a mini barista with a mocktail bar full of cordials, ice, fruit and soft drinks. Just be sure they only take one drink in each hand to avoid accidents, or provide a sturdy drinks trolley to help things along!
Our best ever mocktail recipes
Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks
Try these other Christmas guides:
Top 5 Christmas crafts for kids
How to style a Christmas party
How to plan your menu
Easy finger food ideas
Top 10 storecupboard canapé ideas
Let us know your top tips for getting the kids involved at Christmas in the comments below…