You're ready to have people over for dinner — but how much food will you need? Once you get your RSVPs, use this handy chart to determine the approximate amount of food or drink needed per person.
Here are some guidelines when figuring out how much to prepare while entertaining:
| Course |
Amount Needed |
Appetizers
(3 to 4 different types)
|
10 to 12 per person for a cocktail party; 6 to 8, if meal will be served
|
|
Beverages:
Coffee or punch
Soft drinks or tea
Wine
(About 20 percent will not drink alcohol)
|
1/2 to 1 cup per person
1 to 2 cups per person
1/2 bottle per person
|
| Casseroles |
13 x 9 x 2 inch serves 12 |
| Chili, stroganoff |
5 to 6 ounces per person |
| Desserts:
Brownies, bars
Cookies
|
1 to 2 per person
2 to 3 per person
|
| Pasta |
3 to 4 ounces per person for sit-down dinner; 2 ounces per person for a buffet |
| Protein |
5 to 6 ounces meat, fish, or poultry per person (add slightly more for bone-in meats) |
|
Side dishes:
Green salad
Vegetables
Potato, macaroni salad
Applesauce, cranberry sauce, etc.
|
1 head lettuce serves 5
3 to 4 ounces per person
3 ounces
1/2 cup per person
|
| Soups, stews |
1 cup per person (as first course)
1 1/2 to 2 cups per person (as main course)
|