Between family functions, church parties, and work events, I’ve had a hand in feeding a lot of people over the years! But there’s one seemingly unanswerable question that plagues me during the planning process for any event… “How much food do I need?”
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At home I’m used to feeding a crowd of 6-foot tall giants with appetites to match (otherwise known as my husband and kids). So when I’m planning a dinner or other event, I tend to vastly overestimate the amount of food the average person will eat.
So once the event is said and done, I’m usually up to my eyes in leftovers and uneaten food. (I’m not saying that all leftover are a bad thing, just that having several dozen uneaten cookies at the end of the night is a temptation I don’t need.)
The “How Much Food?” Printable Guide
Since I obviously need to improve my estimating abilities when it comes to food, I thought I’d put together a printable guide that we can all benefit from. My free printable guide features recommendations for how much food you can expect to need based on what food(s) you’re serving and how many guests you’re expecting.
The “How Much Food?” Printable Guide
This guide features recommendations for how much food to serve based on the number of guests you’re expecting. Download it as a printable PDF file by clicking the button below.
The “How Much Food?” Mobile Guide
And for those of you who find it more useful to keep things on your phone, I also created a mobile-friendly version of the guide. It has all the same information as the printable, just formatted so it’s easier to read on a smartphone or tablet screen.
The “How Much Food?” Mobile Guide
This guide features the same food recommendations as the PDF version, just in a mobile-friendly image format. Click the button below to bring up the image, then save it to your phone or tablet for easy reference.
Even if you don’t plan a lot of dinners or parties, this guide will make a useful reference when you’re planning your holiday dinners and gatherings in the coming weeks. May we all be left with an appropriate amount of leftovers this year! :-)
Have you ever misjudged the amount of food you needed for an event?
I think your portions are too large. 8 ounces of meat per person is too much. 4 to 6 ounces is adequate. Just my opinion. Americans’ portions are way too large.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They are large, but I have some teenage boys and big eaters in my family – so I wanted to have an amount that would work for everybody! I would hate for someone to follow my suggestions and not have enough food. But 6 ounces will definitely work for most crowds :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like your tips and I’m hoping to learn many things that you share.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello Jillee,
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just love all your great ideas and suggestions. I’m pretty savvy and have learned to stretch a dollar at a very young age. The eldest of six siblings, my beautiful mother who raised us alone, was a wise woman. Learned to shop in volume in the right areas. And what date of the month, really made an impact. So, thank you. Joyful holidays to you and yours.
Thank you, this is very helpful.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have good friends who entertain a lot and this will come in handy. Thanks!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is just what I need, thanks Jillee and have a blessed Christmas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you! Even though I had to convert the amounts/volumes to metric, it is helpful. We live in Sweden and are expecting 8 people from our family for x-mas. We forget how much food we cooked, when we were so many every day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is really helpful. Hello from all the way over in the UK!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi there!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jill I wish that I had this list 30 years ago. I did not run short but I sat with leftovers every time after a function that a second could be held without much more expense! I had to cater for a vacation Bible Club end of the year closing Christmas Tree Party, and okay, I was a bachelor and could afford it but it was a waste. Just what I learned is do not to skimp on quality for I hated to see iced lollies in the rubbish bins because the kiddies did not like. I then started to buy more expensive lollies and all I found were sticks and wrappers! I had to cater for about 250 people and then saving a couple of cents here and there IS VERY TEMPTING!! No ice cream was left after the functions.
If I do not comment again may the Lord richly bless you, your family and your friends the coming festive season !