Wondering how much food to serve at your next shindig so you’re not committing a major party foul? There’s nothing worse than attending a party where the host isn’t thinking about the amount of food or drink that’s needed. We’ve ALL been to a party that promises food and then you get there to find everyone scrambling over the one veggie tray.
Seriously. DON’T. BE. THAT. GUY.
While there is no perfect formula to calculate how much party food and drink you’ll need, there are some basic guidelines that usually ensure a successful party. Here’s our party food calculator.
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ONE POUND RULE:
The easiest rule is the “One Pound Rule.” Provide one pound of food for each adult guest (not including drinks or dessert).
1 Adult = 1 Pound of Food
1 Child = 1/2 Pound of Food
NON-BOOZY DRINKS:
Calculate two drinks the first hour and then an additional drink for every hour after that.
The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.
BOOZE:
Before the party, make sure your Home Bar is set up and ready to go!
Calculate 1 alcoholic beverage per guest per hour.
Guests will always eat — and drink — more at night than during the day.
Wine – One 750-milliliter bottle of wine provides five to six glasses. Pick up one bottle for every two guests.
Beer – Guests will drink about 1 bottle every half hour to hour
co*cktails –A 750-milliliter bottle makes about 16 drinks. Pick upa quart of mixer for every three guests.
Make sure you have enough mixers for your event!
Here are a few drink recipes to consider serving:
HORS D’OEUVRES AND APPETIZERS:
Each guest will eat 4 – 6 bites per hour during an appetizer-only event. If a main meal is to be served, calculate 6 bites total per person.
Here are some appetizer recipes to consider:
- Candied Jalapeños
- Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Steamer Clams with Garlic
- Little Smokies Recipe
- Grilled Artichoke Dipping Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Wings
- Grilled Brie
- Pulled Pork Potato Skins
- Shrimp co*cktail
- Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
- Air Fryer French Fries
MAIN DISHES:
Serve each adult guest 6 – 8 ounces of protein (meat or seafood). For barbecues, that equates to one hamburger patty.
Awesome Main Dish Ideas:
- Carne Asada Tacos
- Instant Pot Ribs
- Baked Lobster Tails
- Smoked Prime Rib
- Garlic Herb Prime Rib Recipe
- Flank Steak Tacos
BBQ SIDE DISHES:
Pasta/Potato Salad- 1 cup per guest
Baked Beans- 1/2 cup per guest
DESSERT:
Small – 2 per guest
Large (cake, pie) – 1 4 oz slice per guest
Greetings, party enthusiasts! I'm thrilled to share my expertise on party planning, particularly when it comes to calculating the perfect amount of food and drinks to ensure your shindig is a smashing success. With a wealth of firsthand experience and an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of hosting memorable events, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies outlined in the article by Darcey Olson.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
1. The One Pound Rule:
- Rule: Provide one pound of food for each adult guest (excluding drinks or dessert).
- Guideline: 1 Adult = 1 Pound of Food, 1 Child = 1/2 Pound of Food.
2. Non-Boozy Drinks:
- Calculation: Plan for two drinks per guest for the first hour and an additional drink for every subsequent hour.
- Tip: More drink options mean you can reduce main course portion sizes on the buffet.
3. Booze:
- Preparation: Ensure your Home Bar is set up and ready.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Calculate one alcoholic beverage per guest per hour.
- Wine: One 750-milliliter bottle serves five to six glasses (plan one bottle for every two guests).
- Beer: Estimate one bottle every half hour to an hour.
- co*cktails: A 750-milliliter bottle makes about 16 drinks. Prepare a quart of mixer for every three guests.
4. Hors D'oeuvres and Appetizers:
- Calculation: Guests at an appetizer-only event consume 4-6 bites per hour. For events with a main meal, plan for 6 bites per person.
- Recipes: Consider a variety, such as Candied Jalapeños, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, or Shrimp co*cktail.
5. Main Dishes:
- Serving Size: Offer each adult guest 6-8 ounces of protein (meat or seafood).
- Example: For barbecues, this equates to one hamburger patty.
- Main Dish Ideas: Carne Asada Tacos, Instant Pot Ribs, Baked Lobster Tails, and more.
6. BBQ Side Dishes:
- Serving Size: Allocate 1 cup of Pasta/Potato Salad and 1/2 cup of Baked Beans per guest.
7. Dessert:
- Guideline: For small desserts, plan 2 per guest. For larger desserts like cakes or pies, allocate 1 4 oz slice per guest.
By following these well-informed guidelines, you'll avoid the party foul of having guests scrambling over a single veggie tray. Cheers to your next successful celebration!
