These are common planning rules of thumb, not guarantees: teens eat more, a hot afternoon means more drinks, and a 2 p.m. party needs less food than a 7 p.m. one. When a caterer is involved, ask them for their own per-guest quantities.
Food
- Full meal: about 1 pound of food per adult in total (for example 6 oz of main protein plus sides).
- Appetizers before dinner: 4–6 pieces per guest.
- Cocktail party with no dinner: 6–8 pieces per guest per hour, 10–12 in total if appetizers are the meal.
- Kids: about half an adult portion.
- Dessert and cake: 1–2 pieces per guest.
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Drinks
- About 1 drink per guest per hour, plus 1 extra in the first hour.
- Offer water and at least one non-alcoholic option for every guest.
- Ice: 1–1.5 pounds per guest (more in summer or if chilling cans in coolers).
- Never serve alcohol to anyone under 21, and plan safe rides home.
Paper Goods
Plates: 2 per guest (meal and dessert). Cups: 2–3 per guest. Napkins: 3 per guest.
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