The birthday-at-the-park folder
The Cedar Park booking, food plans and the questions worth keeping for another birthday.
The place and the date
My son’s third birthday · Cedar Park Resort, Bowmanville · August 25, 2024. Erik confirmed the Orange shelter on July 31, after our first choice of August 24 was unavailable.
The first catering enquiry was for about 65 people; the guest list grew after that. One detail I was glad to have in writing: food deliveries had to be met at the gate. Someone needed to be available to go out and collect them.
What we served, and what I asked about
We served Sri Lankan food from Nantha, with sandwiches from another shop alongside it.
Earlier, I had sent catering enquiries to Nantha Caters and The Southern Aroma. My questions covered vegetarian choices, a mild option for children, portions and what came with each tray. Keeping those questions was useful even once the menu changed.
Start with the people
Before choosing trays, I counted who needed a vegetarian option and what the children would comfortably eat. “Enough for everyone” became easier to work out once I knew who everyone was.
- Adults and children, counted separately.
- Vegetarian meals and other dietary needs to discuss directly with the caterer.
- Anyone arriving after the main meal.
- The date by which the final number needs to be confirmed.
Ask the useful food questions
With food coming from more than one place, I wanted to know who was bringing what and when it would arrive. These are the questions I would keep for next time.
What comes with it?
Confirm portions, ingredients, utensils and containers with the caterer.
How will it reach the table?
Agree on collection or delivery, serving time and the caterer’s storage instructions.
Can everyone find their option?
Clearly label dishes and discuss dietary requirements directly with the caterer.
Who can help?
Ask someone to receive the food and someone to help serve, so you can sit down too.
Give the entertainment room
I asked PartyTO, then rebranding from Faceloon, about face painting for 15 children. May’s August 2024 quote was $200 for one hour or $320 for two. She estimated 11–14 children in an hour.
That was the useful part for planning: an hour did not comfortably cover everyone. I kept the quote with the party notes while we considered the options.
One page for the day
My working sheet would have five lines: the final count, the food arrival time, the person receiving it, any booked activities and the place where spare supplies live. I would give another adult a copy, too. There is little point making a useful list if I remain the only person who knows where it is.
Then leave a little space beneath the lists. Write down one thing you want to enjoy while everyone is there. Mine is sitting at the table long enough to hear what the children are laughing about.