How much meat per person for a party?

About 1/2 pound of boneless meat or fish per adult, or 3/4 pound bone-in. Children eat about half as much.

How many appetizers per person?

For appetizers only, plan on 10 to 14 pieces per guest for a 2 to 4 hour party.

How much ice do I need?

About 1 pound per guest for drinks and coolers.

Party Food Planner

How much food do you need? Enter the number of guests and the kind of party, and the planner works out how much meat or seafood, sides, appetizers, dessert, drinks and ice to buy.

Adults Children Party Hours

How the planner works

Children count as half an adult for food. Amounts are generous enough for seconds; if you are serving many sides, you can buy a little less of each. Drinks assume two per guest in the first hour and one per hour after that, and about a pound of ice per guest for drinks and coolers.

For full menus, see our Fourth of July BBQ, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl and Feast of the Seven Fishes guides.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat per person for a party?: About 1/2 pound of boneless meat or fish per adult, or 3/4 pound bone-in. Children eat about half as much.
How many appetizers per person?: For appetizers only, plan on 10 to 14 pieces per guest for a 2 to 4 hour party.
How much ice do I need?: About 1 pound per guest for drinks and coolers.