Cakes

• Traditionally, a baby's first birthday cake is reserved solely for them so that they can eat it as they will, which is usually face first. As such, many people elect to serve two cakes during a first birthday party; one for the guests to sample and one for the cake face-plant. The baby cake should be a mini cake, smaller than a full-size round but larger than a cupcake. For added interest, you can give the baby a shape cake such as a frog, teddy bear, star, heart or alphabet baby block; vanilla frosting with light pink or blue tints gives it a classic style. Cakes for the adults can either be cupcakes or a large round of any flavor.
  
  

Child Menu

• The one-year-old guest of honor will most likely only eat the baby food and snacks provided by the parents, but if there are other children present at the party, which is likely, having a separate menu for children is a must. If the party is buffet-style, classic children's food can include bowls of small crackers, popcorn and pretzels, colored cereals, bite-size fruits and vegetables, and small finger sandwiches (the bread can be cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.) Ice cream can be served in either bowls or ice cream cones when the cake is cut.
  
  

Adult Menu

• The adult menu can either consist of classic cocktail snacks or it can incorporate childhood favorites. Cut fruit and vegetable platters, meat and cheese trays, meatballs and sandwiches are all crowd-pleasing items to snack on during the party. For a more child-like menu, serve boxes of animal crackers, sweet and salty popcorn balls, chocolate chip cookies, individual cups of pudding and pigs in a blanket. Provide bright, colorful plates and napkins, and fun curly or striped straws for beverages.
  
  

Themed Menus

• Theme menus are also possible for a child's birthday party, though they are not required. A cowboy- or Western-themed party can include tortilla chips, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad and miniature burger sliders. A safari- or animal-themed party can include fresh fruit, sandwiches cut into animal shapes, dried fruits and nuts, pizzas with animal stripe toppings and even s'mores. A princess-themed party should include fluffy pink marshmallows (not for the one-year-old to eat), bright fruit salads, sparkling cupcakes, white bread tea sandwiches, chocolate truffles, bagels and soft pretzels, yogurt parfaits, and meat and cheese trays.
  
  

Beverage Menus

• For the child's beverage menu, a variety of juices and water is appropriate. Avoid serving carbonated beverages to young children, opting instead to serve chocolate milk with fun straws. For the adults, water, soda, beer and wine are basic beverages for a party. Homemade lemonade is a nice touch and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.