I try to ensure that my kids do not consume many artifical ingredients and colours. But the end result still needs to be beautiful- especially for parties! Luckily, I had some natural food colouring and sprinkles and some ideas on how to make some lovely pink drinks.
In Canada and the U.S., a good company for natural colourings and sprinkles is India Tree. You need to watch the labels though as only their "Nature's Colours" line is made of natural vegetable colourants. Usually price is a good indication of the more natural ones as they cost substantially more.
www.indiatree.com/products/decorative/natures_colors/index.html
There are studies that show the adverse effects of artificial colours on children (including allergies, ADHD and cancer) and so I try not to take any unnecessary risks with my children's health.
Really, we don't need bright red cookies at Valentine's or orange and black ones at Halloween. Add colour with natural, fresh foods or flowers from the garden. We had vibrant fruit skewers made of strawberries, grapes, canteloupe and watermelon to add some colour to the table at our party.
I hope that this post inspires you to try something new and beautiful in the kitchen...something more natural and less toxic for you and your family!