When dealing with non-vegan friends, it is worth making a note of the types of foods they will be likely to expect at parties, afternoon tea, etc. These foods may be slightly different from those that would be served to fellow vegans who are into the no-sugar wholefood type diet. Children are notoriously undiplomatic in expressing their disapproval of food and it can be very upsetting for vegan children to have 'their' food curtly rejected - especially at a birthday party or similar special gathering of friends.

If children are expecting a more conventional approach to meals, try to go along with this expectation. In this way the likelihood is they will think the vegan diet is not so strange after all and be more willing to try more of the same in the future. For example, avoid wholemeal breads if children are used to white bread and avoid wholemeal pastry if they usually have pastry made with white flour. The Jus Rol frozen pastry is ideal as it comes as shortcrust, puff or fib - even ready to use vol-au~ents. Carob in cakes or sweets is not a good idea if they have never eaten it before as their taste buds are usually anticipating the sweet chocolate taste and are understandably disappointed.

There are many good quality vegan 'ice creams' on the market that should win over any non-vegan child. There are also good quality jellies available now not only in wholefood shops but also in supermarkets e.g. the Rowntrees Ready To Eat jellies in smaU plastic tubs, ideal for little hands to cope with (and the tubs can be re-used again to make jellies, trifles, etc for kids to take to school for lunch). There are plenty of soya products on the market that will fool anyone into thinking they are eating meat - try Redwood's 'Cheatin' range or one of the 'Vegetarian's Choice' products.

Add to this, sticks of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, halves of tomatoes, crisps, peanuts and fruit juices or fizzy drinks. There are plenty of recipes around for good vegan sponge cakes (chocolate is always popular) to round off the meal.

Also see the section on Kid's Party Food on the Activeg Website.