The role your appetizers play in your party plan determines the amount per person you will need to prepare. The following is a general servings per person guideline for a wine and cheese party, cocktail party or impromptu gathering that serves easy to prepare appetizers and beverages. Several tips and general guidelines are printed at the bottom of this page or click on More for additional suggestions.

Note that this buying guide is not intended to provide sufficient food for a full meal or food for a gathering lasting longer than 2 hours. Therefore, it is wise to adjust your buying with these factors in mind.

Enter the number of Guests:

Select the appetizers to be served:

Meat and Cheese Tray Prepared Deli Trays Vegetables Fruit Crackers, Chips, and Snacks Dips and Spreads Cocktail and Finger Sandwiches Salads and Side Dishes Seafood Appetizers Breads Hot Appetizers Condiments Desserts Beverages Per 2 Hour Period

Appetizers to Serve

Follow this standard guideline when determining how many types of appetizers to serve:

8 to 10 guests, serve 3 types of appetizers

12 to 16 guests, serve 4 or 5 types of appetizers

18 to 30 guests, serve 6 types of appetizers (include a minimum of 1 hot offering)

32 to 46 guests, serve 7 types of appetizers (include a minimum of 1 hot offering)

46+ guests, serve 8 types (include a minimum of 2 hot offerings)

Conversions

* 16 tbsp. = 1 Cup

* 16 oz. = 1 pound

* 32 oz. = 1 quart

Conversion Deli Style

1 pint = 1 pound, Serves 2-3

1 quart = 2 pounds, Serves 4-6

1/2 gal. = 4 pounds, Serves 10-12

1 gallon = 8 pounds, Serves 20-25

Helpful Hints

For items not listed, 4 appetizer pieces per person is a safe guideline for a host to follow.

Fresh vegetables can be prepared the day before your party. Store in storage bag or container and add several ice cubes to keep vegetables crisp until serving.

When it comes to beverages, adjust amounts according to the type of gathering and the drinking habits of your guests. Always remember to provide non-alcoholic beverages.

Keep a bucket of ice water handy to chill wine before serving.

To prevent misplacing of beverages, provide your guests with wine charms and/or personalized beverage holders.

Be prepared, it's always better to have too much food.

Serve a variety of hot and cold appetizers if a sit down meal does not follow.

Prepare as much as you can the day before the gathering.

Keep notes of what went right and what could have been done better, this will help in the planning of your next party.