Enter your guests, how long the party lasts and whether you are serving a meal, and get a shopping count for food, drinks, ice and plates.
🎉 The Party Food Rules Of Thumb
With a meal, plan about 5 appetizer pieces a person. With snacks only, plan 6 pieces a person plus about 3 more for every hour. Drinks run 2 a person the first hour and 1 an hour after that, and about a pound of ice per guest keeps everything cold. Planning a checklist too? See our Party Planner Checklist.
❓ Questions People Ask
How Many Appetizers Per Person?
About 5 pieces with a meal, or 6 pieces plus about 3 per hour when appetizers are the whole meal.
How Much Ice For A Party?
About 1 pound per guest, more on a hot day or if drinks sit in a tub.
How Many Drinks Per Person At A Party?
About 2 in the first hour and 1 each hour after that.