Those who've hosted gatherings for little people are well aware of the effects that too much sugar can inflict on a get-together. Hyperactivity, tantrums and tears are all best avoided on this special day, and by serving nutritious food, it's almost certain that some of those negative party experiences can be avoided.

Most important is to provide a range of food to satisfy all tastes, appetites and ages. Whilst it's fun to have a selection of sweet treats available, nutritious dishes can often be the simplest to prepare and eat.

A fruit platter is a great place to start. Fruit platters provide healthy, easy finger food and fruit can be artistically arranged or stacked on skewers for added novelty. If you like the idea of a fruit platter but would like to increase its kiddie-appeal, drizzle chocolate over the top, or provide a sweet dipping sauce.

Other healthy fruit treats are perfect Summer party fodder. Ditch the fizzy drinks in favour of some home-made lemonade, and try pre-preparing fruit jellies, or freezing strawberry smoothie-pops. These healthy iceblocks will help keep everyone cool on sizzling party days.

Small sandwiches are always easy to prepare and eat, and are the perfect finger food for all ages. Sandwiches can be dressed-up with colourful ingredients, or by shaping into pinwheels. Use wholemeal bread, pre-prepared crepes or tortilla wraps for variety - rolled up and cut into thick slices.

Other savoury finger food can also serve as reliable staples - pizzas, mini quiches, savoury muffins or home made sausage rolls don't need to be fat-filled, and will do a good job of filling up hungry tummies.

Finally, there are ways and means of injecting wholesome goodness into birthday party favourites. Cupcakes are always a hit, so add some bananas or blueberries to the mixture, and top with low-fat cream cheese icing and fresh fruit. The same applies to muffins and cakes.

For our top picks for healthy party recipes, click below:

Cheesy vegetable muffins

Zucchini slice

Pinwheels

Apricot and sultana balls

Frozen fruit and yoghurt blocks