What's Cookin'

Estimating Food Quantity

You can avoid the challenges of having too little or too much food with some sound pre-planning. We've whipped up some guidelines to keep in mind, based on four different types of occasions and when they're typically held.

Happy Hour

  • One hour in length, maximum, with dinner following
  • Average 4 bites per person - hot or cold or both

Cocktail Party

  • Two to four hours in length, avoiding traditional meal times
  • Average 6-10 bites per person-1/3 of which should be served hot, at a minimum

Grand Affair

  • Several hours in length, with no dinner
  • Average 10-15 bites per person-1/3 of which should be served hot, at a minimum

Open House

  • All-day or throughout the afternoon and/or evening
  • Average 4 bites per person-hot and cold. Allow for more food if you expect many guests will attend for the entire party.

…then there are those parties that defy definition. We're happy to help you make the right choices for quantity and variety. Just ask our What's Cookin' Catering Manager, Ashley Brook at 519-833-0909.