How much food for a holiday party

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We entertain a decent amount and I would strongly recommend small plates. Otherwise if people are hungry they will have to hover around the food rather than being able to get a plate and then move into another room, or at least back away from the table. The other option is to have various stations, but that can be a challenge as well because people may not move from the first station they end up at and only eat whatever happens to be at that station. Finally, with a plate people will feel like they have eaten more because they will see a full plate.

Just remember to have a few trash containers around for the plates if you are using paper, or have someone help clear every once in a while. We normally get help for our holiday party and have her clear dirty plates, glasses, etc. You also need to allow more than one plate per person since people often take a break and then go for seconds.

Agree with everything here.

When I do heavy appetizers, my rule of thumb is to have enough of every appetizer so that each guest can have 4. I usually have at least 8-10 different types of individual portion appetizers, and 1-3 things like baked brie in parchment paper that doesn't have a specific portion, plus a few desert type items. It also helps to have on hand a deli meat/cheese tray with some rolls for the especially hungry folks to make little sandwiches.

Some guests will love a particular item and eat 6 or more. Some will just nibble at one.

It all evens out, and I usually have just enough food for my family to do one lunch of the leftover appetizers.

The last thing you want to do is run out of food at a party. At that time of day, people will be hungry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A party at 7:30 and only appetizers? No dinner? I've never heard of this.

Is this just a happy hour type party? No longer than an hour or 1 1/2 tops?

If not than I would state that light appetizers will be served, so people know to eat before they come.

Are you saying it should be a sit-down dinner, or at least a full meal?

Not necessarily a sit down dinner, but food available to put in a plate and eat. Doesn't have to be a huge amount, but a few more filling meal type items that are easy to eat with a fork in one hand, holding the plate in another. For example, gnocchi and salad.

We are expected to feed our guests a decent meal whenever we host a party whether it's a formal or informal one and serving just appetizers would leave everyone wondering what the heck was going on. We also always have more on hand than necessary, because running out of something would be embarrassing. Always plates, silverware, etc.

Maybe it's just a cultural difference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A party at 7:30 and only appetizers? No dinner? I've never heard of this.

Is this just a happy hour type party? No longer than an hour or 1 1/2 tops?

If not than I would state that light appetizers will be served, so people know to eat before they come.

Are you saying it should be a sit-down dinner, or at least a full meal?

Not necessarily a sit down dinner, but food available to put in a plate and eat. Doesn't have to be a huge amount, but a few more filling meal type items that are easy to eat with a fork in one hand, holding the plate in another. For example, gnocchi and salad.

We are expected to feed our guests a decent meal whenever we host a party whether it's a formal or informal one and serving just appetizers would leave everyone wondering what the heck was going on. We also always have more on hand than necessary, because running out of something would be embarrassing. Always plates, silverware, etc.

Maybe it's just a cultural difference?

No, probably not. I'm from this country. I'm just the person who eats a healthy meal before I go to a party and eats nothing while there and has a glass or two of wine, because I don't want to eat the unhealthy but delicious food that is served at a party! Thanks for all the comments, and I will be ordering a lot of filling food for this event.

[Anonymous]

No need for sit-down dinner or silver but a party starting at 7:30 and providing just finger foods with no prospect of dinner later on? Quite frankly have never heard of such a thing. I have been to reception type stuff where here are apps and drinks and the party ends soon.

[Anonymous]

The way I see it is it depends on the age range and the number of people. If guests tend to be in their 20s-30s, I would stick with alot of appetizers. Enough for 3 items for each person. So, that would be a standing and semi sitting party. If the majority of guests are in their 40s-50s+, I would make sure there's actual food.

As for the number of people: If it's more than the number of chairs and table space you have, then a standing party with alot of appetizers.
And is it a family or acquaintences party. You wouldn't want your grandma to have no chair to sit.

I think switching the time to 7pm is better. People tend to be late. And it also depends if you want them out by 10pm, 11pm, midnight or AM hrs. People do linger for about 30min-1 hr before they leave.