Birthday Party FAQs

Can younger children cook?

Your guest cook count must be 8+ years old. There are 6 cooking stations, with room for 2 cooks at each station. The kids do everything themselves, so each team of two need to be able to independently manage a cooking station.

Younger siblings who want to cook are welcome to join and work alongside an adult who is part of the headcount. They just cannot manage a cooking station on their own, nor can an 8–10-year-old be responsible for a younger cook. They already have plenty of responsibilities of their own! An older tween could possibly handle it though.

If a younger sibling simply wants to jump in and help here and there when there’s an opportunity, that’s absolutely no problem! They’re welcome to participate as a non official cook. Same goes for parents. If a parent wants to lend a hand here and there….you are welcome to do so.

What if more than 12 kids RSVP?

The party is designed for up to 12 cooks, with 2 cooks at each of our 6 cooking stations (3 work tables with 2 stations each)  If your RSVPs creep up to 13, don’t panic! First, let me know so we can talk out what the actual cooking plans are. Sometimes kids participate for an hour then have to leave or maybe a younger sibling may be joining an older team as a third cook, or a child may only be planning to participate here and there rather than manage a station independently.

If 13 kids all want to be full-time cooks for the entire party, we’ll need to switch to the larger-group format and choose another menu rather than simply squeezing another cook into the regular party setup. That said, a child who arrives late or only wants to join in for part of the cooking can usually squeeze in and participate when there’s room, or simply observe for a bit. The goal is to include everyone when we can without overcrowding the cooking stations or changing the format of the party. There are max 6 stations for the signature party and 3 work tables only for the Big Birthday Crew.

Do you allow additional guests or outside activities?

While I love a good piñata, elaborate decorations, party entertainment, and all the birthday fanfare, the cooking is the main event here. The experience is centered around the kids who are here to cook, create, eat, and have fun together.

If you’re looking for a traditional party venue in addition to the cooking, or a place to gather a large crowd of family and friends, this isn’t the right fit. The kids can only produce so much food — they’re cooking for themselves not catering a meal for everyone in attendance.

And, of course, this is a home-based cooking school in a neighborhood, so keeping parties small, relaxed, and respectful of the neighbors is part of what makes the whole thing work. Of course there will be enough for a few grandparents!

Can I bring in outside food?

Sure! You can bring in anything you like but I always provide lemonade, sparkling and still water and lots of kid snacks throughout the party. You’re welcome to bring a simple supplement to the menu—a cake or cupcakes if the kids are making something savory, or pizza, sandwiches, etc., if they’re making only sweets. The kids’ creations will be ready to devour toward the end of the event, and take-home supplies are available for leftovers.  One important request: no ice cream cakes, please! Just not enough freezer space.

What about allergies and dietary restrictions?

I can accommodate most allergies and dietary restrictions, but if you’re inviting a guest with a serious or severe allergy, I strongly recommend choosing a menu that works for them from the start.

For example, if one of your favorite friends has a serious gluten allergy, let’s not choose a menu that revolves around gluten! Flour flies everywhere!!! There are plenty of delicious options, and I’d much rather choose a menu that allows everyone to safely participate and enjoy the party together.

To keep every guest safe at the table, each participant must submit a waiver. No accommodations can be made for restrictions if we don’t know about them, so all waivers must be submitted in advance. Menus can be changed up to a few days in advance.

Do you provide aprons or party favors?

I provide my basic collection of loaner aprons — nothing fancy, but they do the job!

That said, nothing creates better party vibes (or cuter photos!) than a fun kid-sized apron. Amazon and Etsy have lots of great options if you’d like to turn an apron into a party favor for your guests.

And sometimes the best party favor is something the kids make themselves! If your menu includes sweets or baked goods, those can easily become the take-home treat. The kids usually make plenty to share. It’s completely up to you!

What are the weather considerations?

It is generally comfortable under the pavilion in summer weather or light spring rains. However, sometimes weather conditions may require an event to be adjusted, postponed, or canceled. Wind presents the greatest challenge during rain and may make it impractical to be celebrating outdoors. In such cases, collaboratively, we will make the decision to proceed, adjust timing, postpone, or cancel the event. If an event is canceled due to weather, the deposit will be fully refunded. Most weather-related decisions are typically made once reliable forecasts are available, generally within 5-10 days of the scheduled event or whatever is most comfortable for you.

Do you offer adult parties?

No, I don’t — sorry! After three decades of working with adults, I’ve decided that my happy place is with the kids. I’m much more interested in more cooking, more eating, and less drinking these days!

I do still offer family cooking experiences where adults and kids cook together, but I’m no longer hosting adult-only parties with alcohol or “more drinking, less cooking” gatherings.