Winter Party Menu

[nicolewi]

We usually have a semi/loosely themed family party for the kids' birthdays. We've ended up doing winter several times b/c...all winter birthdays and close to Christmas. So again this year, we have winter! It's going to be at 12:30 Sunday with lunch served almost right away. It's supposed to be super cold out. DD (5) wants "snowmen and deer" on a winter cake and DS (7) wants a Star Wars chocolate chip cookie cake (?).

I want to keep it super easy this year. I'm thinking maybe:

--making baked potato soup, which I've made before, but adding some shreds of carrot and calling it "melted snowman soup."
--getting either subs or a sandwich tray from somewhere and calling it...nothing 
--maybe Grinch kabobs? or a Costco salad? both?
--putting out powdered donut hole "snowballs" just for kicks
--popcorn/pretzel/candy corn or similar mix (mixed up snowman?) or just screw it and put out chips?
--probably making a blue punch for the kids (plus optional vodka!)

--likely putting out cocoa (as I did last year) with optional marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes

We'll also have the usual soda, water, beer, etc.

Ideas for any other cute food names or any easy menu enhancements?

[momin2013]

I think the soup and sandwiches is a good lunch idea; that plus the cake and I think you'd be good, actually. Snack mix can't hurt, and for a salad, I'd probably get something...different than just a green salad. Maybe that Superfoods one in the bag from Costco (if you have that)? Or a coleslaw-type thing? I also like the hot cocoa bar idea.

I will admit that I totally don't get into the "naming foods for a theme" thing, so I'm absolutely no help there. If I do a theme, it's more in the decorations, napkins, etc.

Just throwing an idea out for you for future years, if you get tired of the "winter" theme: Tropical. It's kind of fun to go all out with the palm tree decor, punch, etc. in the middle of winter. I organized a retirement party for a co-worker this time last year, and did a tropical theme, and it was lots of fun.

[nicolewi]

I know, I'm goofy with the naming and wanting a theme. But it makes me happy. I think most of the family thinks it's nuts.

Superfoods salad is good! I am thinking hot ham & cheese sandwiches now--the ones in the little buns, but without the poppy seeds and with a lighter-flavored butter for the kids.

I LOVE tropical!!! I want to have a grown-up cabin fever party with a tropical theme in early March or so when it's still cold and dreary here.