Ask if any guests are vegetarians or vegans and provide dishes accordingly. It’s a good idea to have a few vegetarian options available regardless.
Estimate that guests will eat about 10 appetizers each. [3] X Research source Serve a variety of dishes for an appetizer-only party. You’ll want to offer your guests some diversity of flavor in your appetizers for a more satisfying meal.
Plan for your guests to eat just a few handfuls of chips or a couple veggies each if you’re serving a main course afterwards.
For your fruit tray, aim for a mix of melons, like watermelon and cantaloupe, and berries, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Look for ripe fruit that’s in season for the best tasting ingredients. Vegetable platters often include carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, jicama and cauliflower, and are typically paired with a ranch dip.
Choose a simpler, universally-appealing meal if there will be lots of kids in attendance. You can expect a small group of adults to be more flexible and willing to try new dishes. If there’s just one or two kids in attendance, consider cooking them a separate, simpler dish, such as a grilled cheese or hot dog. This will give you more freedom to choose a main course just for the adults.
Plan for each guest to eat about 1. 5 pieces of chicken. Spinach, asparagus or portobello mushroom is a good choice for a chicken main dish. [7] X Research source
Each guest’s portion size will depend on the amount of bones in the meat. For a boneless cut of meat, buy 4-5oz (115-140 g) per guest. For a cut with bones, such as steak or pork chop, estimate 5-8 oz (115-226 g) per person. And for meat with lots of bones, like ribs, buy 12-16 oz (340-454 g) per person. [8] X Research source Mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite side for steak. For a healthier option, try roasted broccoli or brussel sprouts. [9] X Research source
Each guest’s portion size will depend on the amount of bones in the meat. For a boneless cut of meat, buy 4-5oz (115-140 g) per guest. For a cut with bones, such as steak or pork chop, estimate 5-8 oz (115-226 g) per person. And for meat with lots of bones, like ribs, buy 12-16 oz (340-454 g) per person. [8] X Research source Mashed potatoes are a traditional favorite side for steak. For a healthier option, try roasted broccoli or brussel sprouts. [9] X Research source
Buy locally-caught fish for a cheaper, fresher option. You can get creative with fish side dishes, depending on the fish. Potatoes, salad, pasta or even bean salsa can pair very well many different kinds of fish.
Research filling vegetarian dishes on the Internet or in vegetarian cookbooks.
Buy or make frosting, or top a plain vanilla cake with fresh fruit. Offer ice cream on the side.
Apple pie and pumpkin pie are great choices for fall or winter parties. [11] X Research source For summer and spring, choose a lighter filling for your pie, like peach, lemon meringue or key lime. [12] X Research source
Make your cookies a day in advance to save time on the day of the party. Store them in a resealable bag to ensure they stay fresh. For that gooey, just-out-of-the-oven taste, warm a plate of cookies up for 5-10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
Buy extra toppings and have a do-it-yourself sundae bar. Offer chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, sprinkles, whipped cream, and fruit, such as bananas or strawberries. Set your ingredients on the table and let guests serve themselves!
