Host Request: Kid-Oriented Show Idea for Upcoming Event - What Should I Do?

[ChefBeckyD]

I have a regular host, who is on the verge of signing as a consultant....as soon as her DH finishes school, and can be home at night w/ the kids! She has a show the end of Feb. and just sent me this email:Just getting the list finished. I was wondering what you think about doing a kid-oriented show? Many of the ladies I’m inviting have children old enough to cook light meals and I thought it’d be fun to let them be part of the show. Cloie would probably be the youngest with 3-4 others around 10 or 11 years old.Totally up to you. I’ve got a good size list this time with some new faces I’m hoping to entice into coming.Now - I have never done, nor had the desire to do a "Kids in The Kitchen" show.....and I KNOW for a fact that some of the people who come to her show won't be bringing kids (don't have kids)....what should I do? how should I approach it with her? My DH's comment was "I thought you were there to sell kitchen stuff - how is entertaining the kids going to do that?"She has been one of my best hosts and customers for a long time, and I can trace alot of my success to her shows - so I want to do what is right - for her and for me!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Since there will be people without kids, suggest doing two shows. One as a Mommy and Me/Kids in the Kitchen on a Saturday morning. Then, that night you can do another theme party, maybe Couples or Death by Chocolate. Or, you can space the parties over a few weeks.

 

[pcheframsey]

Depending on how many kids are there, you could have them be your "assistants". That way it would show the guests that are parents how kid friendly things are, but at teh same time, it's not geared just for kids. Do the show as planned, with whatever recipe you had originally planned on doing, just have the kids take part in it to help you out. It seems like most of them would be old enough, and if there are any young ones, like 3-5 years old, have them do little things like stir something or hand you a spice or something like that. You could also have the little kids bring a pack of playdough and use the baker's roller and bar board while you are doing your show.

 

[speedychef]

Let them fix something for themselves while you supervise and talk about the great products. Maybe do a pizza! What kid doesn't love pizza? Here are jobs they could do:
Roll out dough with Baker's Roller on Stoneware
Grate cheese with Deluxe Cheese Grater
Slice zucchini with the Mandoline
Chop Broccoli with Chopper
Mix sauce with Mix 'N Scraper in Batter Bowl
Slice olives/mushrooms with Egg Slicer Plus

I think they're old enough that they can really enjoy it and the moms will really be happy for them to learn how to help in the kitchen! It's not like they're 3 and have no attention span. You could also cut up and prep the ingredients for the moms to see and the kids could assemble their own individual pizzas while the moms chat and order

 

[MicheleC]

I like the pizza idea. Letting these kids get their hands on products could be great for your sales! Whenever I have had a child assist (which I do if they are at this same age and want to be at the show) they sell the products to Mom. They just love them. I agree with not making it kid themed though unless all of the guests were bringing children.