EmmillyHow these numbers are worked out
The planner uses plain, widely-used hosting rules of thumb and does the arithmetic from the numbers you enter. It is not connected to any shop, brand or price list, and it never leaves your browser. The figures below are honest estimates for planning, not guarantees. Real appetite, the weather, the time of day and how familiar the guests are with each other all change how much gets eaten and drunk, so treat the result as a sensible starting shopping list and adjust for your own crowd.
- Appetizers: about 6 bites per adult in the first hour and 4 per adult each hour after. When appetizers are the whole event, this is raised by roughly half, since there is no main meal. Children are counted at about two thirds of an adult.
- Main meal: roughly 6–8 oz of cooked protein per adult, plus about 4 oz each of two sides, and around one bread roll per adult. Children are planned at about half an adult portion.
- Dessert: about one and a quarter servings per adult so there is a little choice, one per child.
- Alcoholic drinks: about one drink per drinking adult in the first hour, then one per hour, planned across the drinkers you entered.
- Soft drinks: about one per hour for non-drinkers and children, with a little extra for everyone on a warm afternoon.
- Water: roughly two 8 oz glasses per guest over the event.
- Ice: about 1.25 lb per guest for serving and chilling.
- Coffee & tea: planned only when you serve a full meal or a dessert course, at about 60% of adults having a cup.
- Tableware: plates and cups are planned with a sensible spare margin, and napkins more generously because people take several.
Common questions
How much food should I prepare per guest?
For nibbles, plan around six bites per person in the first hour and about four per person each hour after. For a full meal, a main portion is roughly six to eight ounces of cooked protein per adult plus about four ounces each of two sides. These are starting estimates to adjust for your crowd and appetite.
How many drinks should I plan?
A common figure is about one drink per drinking guest in the first hour and one per hour after that. Non-drinkers and children are planned with soft drinks and water instead, which is why the planner asks you to split your guests that way.
Are these numbers exact?
No. They are plain rules of thumb for planning, not guarantees. Appetite, weather, time of day and how well guests know each other all change consumption. Treat the results as a sensible starting shopping list and adjust for your own gathering.
General planning information only. Emmilly does not sell products, does not publish reviews, ratings or prices, and is not affiliated with any brand, retailer or service. These estimates are calculated in your browser and are not stored or sent anywhere.
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