I recently received a great question and thought it was worth answering here—because I know it’s one some of you are quietly wondering about.
Q: I’m becoming intrigued and thinking of having a dinner party, but how do I keep my little ones busy while I’m prepping and during the party?
Such a good question!
💛 First, a Little Honesty
Full disclosure: I never had kids of my own. So I’m answering this authentically—from my experience growing up in a house where my parents hosted, and from helping friends navigate this exact situation.
And here’s what I’ve learned: involving kids makes everything easier.
🍽️ Before the Party: Put Them to Work (In a Good Way)
My mom involved us as much as possible and gave us tasks based on our ages:
- One of us made place cards—sometimes even designing them if there was a theme
- Another set the table
- Someone else tidied up the dining room
Whether it was mixing cake batter or helping bake cookies for guests to take home, being part of the process made us feel important—and the entire evening ran more smoothly.
🎬 During the Party: Options Matter
When it’s time for guests to arrive, flexibility is key.
- Set up three or four activity or game areas so kids can rotate
- Create an age-appropriate movie night with pizza
- If kids are very young, consider hiring a mother’s helper
- Or start the party later so bedtime happens as guests arrive
For tweens and teens, consider including them in the party itself. Sitting at the table, joining the conversation, or helping serve teaches confidence and social skills. And when they’ve had enough? Always give them a graceful out.
🎨 A Favorite Idea for Any Age
This one works beautifully with a little planning:
Set up an art station—crayons, colored pencils and paper. While dinner is happening, kids create their artwork. Afterward, use painter’s tape to hang their pieces in a hallway or entryway and host a mini art gallery opening.
Guests can mingle, meet the “artists,” and learn about their creations. It’s charming, engaging, and surprisingly memorable.
🥂 The Big Picture
Involving children in hosting isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s a teaching moment. It builds confidence, responsibility, creativity, and connection.
And you never know where those experiences might lead them later in life.
✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss more real-world entertaining tips and weekly recipes.
✨ Forward this email to a friend who love to entertain.
✨ Follow along for easy menus, decor ideas, and ways to make every gathering feel special, joyful and authentic.
✨ Download Dinner Party Menus here: MENUS
✨ Shop my kitchen here: SHOP
✨ Grab what you need at a discount: HOST
✨ Earn some extra income while you’re at it: SELL
✨ Watch what I’m making for dinner every day on Instagram
✨ Join my Slice, Dice & Dish Community on Facebook
Here’s to messy tables, proud helpers, and raising the next generation of great hosts.
Cheers,
Colleen 🥂
Published by