Handling Dietary Restrictions Without the Stress

Dietary restrictions used to be rare. Now they're the norm. Here's how to handle them without turning your party into a logistics nightmare.

Asking the right questions

In your invitation, include:

"Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you RSVP."

Keep it casual, not clinical. You're being a thoughtful host, not running a hospital.

Common restrictions to prepare for:

• Nut allergies (often severe)
• Gluten-free needs
• Dairy-free/lactose intolerance
• Vegetarian/vegan
• Kosher/halal requirements
• General food allergies (eggs, soy, etc.)

Planning an inclusive menu

The easiest approach: Serve foods that work for most people, rather than making special versions of everything.

Naturally inclusive options:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Plain chips
• Popcorn (check for allergens)
• Simple grilled proteins
• Rice dishes
• Bean-based dips

Foods that often cause problems:

• Anything with nuts or made in facilities with nuts
• Baked goods (gluten, dairy, eggs)
• Cheese-based dishes
• Pre-made sauces and dressings

Labeling and presentation

Label everything. Include common allergens:

• Contains nuts
• Contains gluten
• Contains dairy
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Use small cards or tent cards near each dish. Guests can make their own informed choices.

For severe allergies

If a child has a severe allergy (especially nuts):

• Talk directly with the parent beforehand
• Consider eliminating the allergen entirely
• Ask if they prefer to bring their own food
• Know where their EpiPen is
• Keep allergen-containing foods separated

When in doubt, ask the parent. They're experts on their child's needs.

The cake question

Birthday cakes are often problematic for allergies. Options:

1. Order an allergen-free cake from a specialty bakery

2. Make cupcakes so you can have allergen-free options alongside regular ones

3. Have a separate treat for the allergic child

4. Ask the parent if they'd like to bring their own cake/treat

Kids with restrictions

Help kids with restrictions feel included, not different:

• Don't make a big announcement about their food
• Serve their food alongside everyone else's
• If they need separate food, make it look similar
• Include them in all activities, even if food-adjacent

Quick tips

• Cross-contamination matters: Use separate serving utensils
• Read labels: "May contain" warnings are important
• Ask before serving: When in doubt, check with the parent
• Don't take offense: If a parent brings their own food, it's not a judgment on your cooking

The goal

Make everyone feel welcome and fed, without turning your party into a special-diet showcase. A few thoughtful choices go a long way.

Most parents of kids with restrictions are incredibly grateful for any effort. Just ask, plan ahead, and be considerate.