How To Have A Stress Free Gluten Free Party

Last Updated on August 23, 2020 by Ellen Christian

Having a gluten free party requires a bit more advanced planning than a traditional party. It’s not as easy to put together food options when you’re dealing with food allergies and sensitivities with guests. Since Sarah was diagnosed as being gluten intolerant, it’s changed the way we eat, cook and entertain. When I first started shopping for foods that were gluten free, I was amazed at all of the different places that gluten can hide. Who would have thought that some brands of potato chips, rice, and hot dogs contain gluten? 

How To Have A Stress Free Gluten Free Party

When Sarah was first diagnosed as gluten intolerant, I tried baking gluten free cookies and snacks for her. Can I just say that it was a horrible failure? My treats ended up being as heavy as hockey pucks, and no one wanted to eat them. Since then, I’ve learned that when we want gluten free baked goods, it’s best to start with a gluten-free mix like Pillsbury™ Gluten Free Premium Cake Mixes, Brownie Mix, and Cookie Mixes. I get perfect results every time.

Here are a few of the tips I used this year to have a gluten-free party for Sarah this year:

• If you’re asking guests to bring dishes, make sure that they understand what gluten free really means. When Sarah was first diagnosed, we had a tough time explaining to her grandparents what she could and could not eat.  If you’re assigning food for people to bring, it may be easiest to ask people who are new to the concept of gluten free to bring things like fresh fruit or fresh vegetable platters.

• Use easy substitutions. Instead of searching high and low for gluten free pretzels, choose potato chips or tortilla chips instead. Or, take the healthy route and offer your guests baby carrots and celery sticks to dip in their dip. Instead of pasta salad, offer your guests potato salad. Just watch the ingredients list.
• Clearly mark non-gluten-free foods. We try to keep all of the food at our parties gluten free so that Sarah can enjoy everything. If your guests absolutely insist on having a food that isn’t gluten free, make sure that you place it in an area that won’t contaminate other foods (by using the wrong serving utensil) and clearly mark it as NOT being gluten free.
• Focus on the memories, not the food. Parties should be about spending time with friends and family and celebrating a special day. Yes, it’s nice to offer our guests food when we entertain, but you don’t need to have 35 different options for your guests to choose from. Pick a few great dishes that you know everyone will enjoy.

• Use a gluten-free mix for baked goods. I cannot tell you how much stress this has saved me. By using the Pillsbury™ Gluten Free Premium Cake Mixes, Brownie Mix, and Cookie Mixes when we entertain, I don’t need to worry about my gluten free desserts not being a hit. I know that the ingredients are safe for Sarah, and I know the results will be something everyone will love.

I can find all of the Pillsbury™ Gluten Free Premium Cake Mixes, Brownie Mix, Cookie Mixes at my local Walmart (save here). Since I’m there every week picking up my husband’s prescriptions, I can pick up what I need easily. I always keep a few on hand in case we are invited to a party or have people over unexpectedly. Discover more ways to have a gluten free party and Mix Up a Gluten Free Moment.