Okay, so I threw a party last weekend, and figuring out the food situation was a HEADACHE. I mean, you don’t want people to go hungry, but you also don’t want a mountain of leftovers. Here’s how I tackled it, and hopefully, it helps you avoid the same stress!
First Steps: Guest List & Party Type
First, I nailed down the exact number of guests. No “maybe” folks allowed! This was crucial. Then, I thought about the kind of party it was. A casual afternoon BBQ is WAY different than a formal dinner party, right?
Since mine was a casual get-together, mostly snacks and finger foods, I knew I didn’t need a full-blown, three-course meal.
Doing the (Rough) Math
I did some Googling (don’t judge!), and the general advice was all over the place. But, I found a few rules of thumb that helped:
- Appetizers (before a meal): Figure about 6 bites per person.
- Appetizers (as the main event): Bump that up to 12-15 bites per person.
- Main Course: If you’re doing a main dish, plan for about 6-8 ounces of protein per person.
- Sides: A few ounces per person for each.
It is the most diffcult * example, if you do not want to cook the main dish,you should buy more Appetizers .
My Actual Menu & Calculations
I had 15 guests. Here’s what I did, and how I figured it out:
- Chips & Dips: I got 3 large bags of chips and 3 different dips (salsa, guacamole, french onion). I figured people would munch, but not OD on these.
- Mini Quiches: I bought 48 of these (about 3 per person). Seemed like a good, easy-to-eat option.
- Chicken Wings: I went with 60 wings (4 per person). I cooked them myself, so I could control the flavors.
- Veggie Sticks & Hummus: One big platter. This was the “healthy” option, and I didn’t expect it to be the star of the show.
- Fruit Salad: A big bowl. Again, more of a refreshing side than the main attraction.
- Brownies: I baked 24 brownies (almost 2 per person). Everyone loves dessert!
The Results?
Honestly? It was pretty good! There were some leftovers, but not a crazy amount. The wings and quiches were the biggest hits. The veggie platter was, predictably, the least popular. I probably could have gotten away with fewer chips, but better safe than sorry, I guess!
I write down the list that how many foods I bought, it helps me review this event.
My biggest takeaway? Don’t overthink it! Use the guidelines, but also think about your guests and the type of party. And always, ALWAYS have a little extra, just in case.