If they are what they eat, let them be happy, healthy and full of fun. If you are going to serve a meal, include that information on the invitation. Do as accurate a head count as possible so that you can make the right amount of food. Figure at least two to three glasses or cans of soda or other drinks, one to two servings of entr e and a quarter of a bag of snack foods for each teen.
Teenagers eat a suprising amount.
Prepare food as much in advance as possible, keeping storage capabilities in mind. You don't want to be in the kitchen while havoc is raging in your den. A one-pot entr e, such as chili or pasta, can be easy to make and can be served with paper plates and disposible utensils. Offer a sandwich bar with cold cuts, cheeses, condiments and bagels, wraps, breads and buns. Place bowls of snacks around where you want the kids to congregate, such as in the den or backyard.