When they are here, my hubby and I want their little cowboys and cowgirls to eat their fruits and veggies, and here is how we do it:
When they arrive, we set out a craft table and appetizer table just for the kids.
Brightly-colored crayons and washable pens as well as place-card-sized paper and place-mat-sized paper are on the craft table as well as a list of people who will be eating, so they can copy the names. There are extra blank place cards and mats in case of mistakes. They make place cards and place mats for the meal.
They check off the names when the person's card and mat are done. This keeps little hands and minds busy.
On the kids' appetizer table is fruit and veggie finger foods with a veggie dip and fruit dip. Sometimes, I include cheese sticks.
I usually put out small plates and bowls for each child as double-dipping isn't encouraged. Notice, I didn't include any candy, crackers or chips. Our grocery store has fruits and veggies already cut up, and I have used them often. The kids can eat anything they like from their table.
Their drinks (usually sprite and ice) are in cups with well-fitting lids and a straw. So if the cup is dropped or tipped over, it survives. And so does my floor and carpeting.
Nothing stirs up appetites like making things, serving oneself and eating at one's own speed without adult supervision.
I repeat many of the kids' items in the adult appetizers as well as a glass of wine or a margarita. The adult appetizers include some crackers or chips that the kids don't recognize which limits their begging for the familiar.
Before everyone arrives, I put a tablecloth on the table where we will be eating and set out glasses, plates and silverware. The kids (or anyone else) can set the table quickly using the kids' art work. It is always fun to see who gets to sit next to who.
When it is mealtime, I don't worry when the kids eat some protein and spend the time talking. They have filled up on fruits and veggies - our goal.
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