Cheese & crackers(Plus 1 box crackers per 10 guests)
52 oz cheese
Veggie tray with dip(1 tray serves ~8)
4 trays
Proteins
Main protein (chicken/beef/pork)(6oz per adult)
8.5 lbs
Vegetarian protein (tofu/beans/portobello)(For 5 veg guests)
2 lbs
Sides
Side dishes (3 varieties)(~2.5 lbs each)
6.5 lbs total
Salad greens(1.5 oz per person)
2.5 lbs
Bread rolls / baguette slices
50 pieces
Drinks
Beverages (adult)(Mix of soft drinks, water, juice)
115 servings
Water bottles
38 bottles
Kid-friendly drinks(Juice boxes, lemonade)
6 servings
Ice
19 lbs
Desserts
Dessert servings(Cake, cookies, or brownies)
25 servings
Supplies
Napkins
75 count
Plates
50 count
Cups
63 count
Utensil sets
38 sets
Budget Estimate
Budget
$8-$12 per person
$200 - $300
total for 25 guests
Mid-Range
$15-$25 per person
$375 - $625
total for 25 guests
Premium
$30-$50 per person
$750 - $1,250
total for 25 guests
Leftover Prediction
Typically 18% of food goes uneaten
Estimated ~6.9 lbs of leftovers
18%
Tip: Prepare containers for guests to take leftovers home.
For larger parties (50+), waste drops to ~15% as portions self-regulate.
Drink Planning Guide
Total Drink Servings
121
2-Liter Sodas Needed
7
Rule of thumb: 2 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 per hour after. Kids count as half. Plan for variety — 40% soft drinks, 30% water, 30% juice/lemonade.
Per-Person Portion Guide
Item
Appetizers
Light
Full
Heavy
Appetizers (pieces/hr)
6
6
6
6
Main protein (oz)
-
4
6
8
Side dishes (oz each)
-
3
4
5
Bread (pieces)
-
2
2
2
Kids portions are calculated at 60% of adult amounts. Drinks: 2 servings first hour, 1 per hour after.