Enter your guest count, party length and food style to see how many appetizers, drinks, pounds of ice and plates to buy.
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How this calculator works
For an appetizers-only party, the calculator plans about six pieces per guest for the first hour and four per guest for each hour after. Before a meal, it plans about five pieces per guest. For a buffet it adds about 6 ounces of cooked main dish and two 4-ounce sides per guest.
Drinks follow the common rule of two per guest in the first hour and one per hour after. Ice is one pound per guest, or two if you are also chilling drinks in coolers. A bottle of wine pours about five glasses.
Tips
- Offer at least one good non-alcoholic option for every drink type.
- Mix lighter bites with a few more filling ones, like sliders or skewers, for longer parties.
- Put out food in batches so it stays fresh and looks plentiful.
- Buy disposable tableware with a 50% buffer; guests often use more than one plate.
Frequently asked questions
How many appetizers for 20 guests?
For a three-hour appetizers-only party, plan about 280 pieces, or 14 per guest. Before a sit-down meal, about 100 pieces is enough.
How much ice do I need for a party?
About one pound per guest for drinks, and about two pounds per guest if you also chill bottles and cans in coolers.
How many bottles of wine for 30 guests?
If about half of 30 guests drink wine over three hours, plan on about 12 bottles.
Sources
- Catering and event-planning rules of thumb commonly used by hosts and caterers
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