Food for
| Item | Total | Per adult |
|---|---|---|
Drinks
Rules of thumb for a typical crowd, rounded up. Each child counts as half an adult for food. Plan a little more for big eaters, a long evening or leftovers, and less when there are many dishes to share.
Party Food Calculator
Tell us how many are coming, what kind of meal it is and how long it runs. You get a shopping list with totals and the amount per person.
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Questions
- How much food do I need per person?
- For a dinner, plan on about 6 to 8 ounces (170 to 230 g) of main protein, 6 to 8 ounces of side dishes, a cup of salad and one or two dessert servings per adult. Appetizers alone call for about 6 pieces per person for the first hour and 4 for each hour after.
- How many drinks should I plan per guest?
- A common rule is two drinks per guest in the first hour and one for every hour after, plus water. A 750 ml bottle of wine pours about five glasses.
- How are children counted?
- Each child counts as half an adult for food and as a full guest for soft drinks. Children are left out of the alcohol.
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