Event Planning Guide
Buying the right amount saves you money! Enter the estimated number of guests for your event to determine the number of cases you'll need for each item.
Beverages
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee | 12 oz. | 75 servings |
| Creamer Cups [3/8 oz] | 50 ct. | 50 servings |
| Sugar Packets | 100 ct. | 100 servings |
| Punch | 5 gal. | 106 servings |
Condiments
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Ketchup | 114 oz. | 190 servings |
| Mustard | 104 oz. | 540 servings |
| Mayonnaise | 1 gal. | 250 servings |
| BBQ Sauce | 1 gal. | 120 servings |
| Salad Dressing | 1 gal. | 128 servings |
Snacks
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts/Mixed Nuts | 56 oz. | 56 servings |
| Nacho Cheese | #10 can | 50 servings |
| Nacho Chips | 1 lb. | 16 servings |
| Potato Chips | 1 lb. | 16 servings |
Entrees
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Ham | 12 lb. avg. | 32 servings |
| Prime Rib | 12 lb. avg. | 19 servings |
| Shredded Meats | 5 lb. avg. | 20-25 servings |
| Turkey Breast | 10 lb. avg. | 25 servings |
| Lasagna | 6 lb. | 12 servings |
Hors D'oeuvres
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Wings | 5 lb. | 15-20 servings |
| Cocktail Franks | 3 lb. | 23 servings |
| Meatballs | 5 lb. | 25-30 servings |
Sliced Meats & Cheese
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Meats - Sliced | 2 lb. | 16 servings |
| Cheese - Sliced | 5 lbs. | 120 servings |
Relish/Cheese Tray
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese-Sliced | 1 lb. | 16 servings |
| Cheese Spread | 14 oz. | 14 servings |
| Dill Pickle Spears | #10 can | 63 servings |
| Black Olives | #10 can | 60 servings |
| Stuffed Green Olives | 1 gal. | 150 servings |
Side Dishes
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Canned Fruits & Veg. | #10 can | 27 servings |
| Lettuce Salad | 5 lb. | 25 servings |
| Mixed Fruit (Frozen) | 3 lb. | 16 servings |
| Ready-Made Salads | 5 lb. | 20 servings |
Desserts
| Item | Size | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Pies | 10" | 8 servings |
| Cheese Cakes | Sizes vary | 12-16 servings |
| Brownies | Half sheet | 40 servings |
*Numbers based on average consumption.
Tips for estimating portions for your event:
- Always round your estimates up, not down.
- Anticipate which items will be most popular, and serve more than suggested.
- The more choices you offer, the smaller your calculation of individual portions should be.
- Add "bulk" items to your menu. For a sit-down dinner, have plenty of bread to fill in any hungry spots. When hosting a cocktail party: nuts, olives, pretzels, etc. provide security that you'll have enough for all without additional work.