How Much Food Do You Need? Get Your Catering Order Right

HOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU NEED? Get Your Catering Order Right CATERING CONSIDERATIONS Consider your guests and gathering type before you order: What time of day is the event? If guests have eaten lunch or dinner before an event, they will eat less than if you plan your event at a meal time What season is Cold, refreshing foods are great for the warm months and hot, savory foods complement colder weather the event going to be held in? How long will your party last? Will you serve a meal or just appetizers/hors d'oeuvres? Who is What is the event? coming? You can expect guests to consume less at a formal wedding reception than at a Super Bowl party Consider appetites- If you serve a main course, you will need fewer hors d'oeuvres Order additional food and drinks a group of women will typically eat less than a group of men for longer events Seated events are good for finer fare that requires utensils while standing events are Make sure you accommodate dietary needs of guests such as vegetarians or those with gluten allergies If it's an event where guests will be coming and going, not everyone will eat great for showcasing finger foods FEEDING FORA PARTY Use these guidelines for a 4-hour event, and scale up or down as needed: BREAKFAST Appetizers 2 pieces 2 Main Dish 5 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 2 pieces Dessert N/A Non-Alcoholic Drinks 8 oz. Coffee 8 oz. LUNCH Appetizers 2 pieces 2 Main Dish 6 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 1 piece Dessert 1 piece Non-Alcoholic 8 oz. Drinks Coffee 6 oz. DINNER 1 Appetizers 4 pieces 2 Main Dish 7 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 1 piece Dessert 1 piece 6 Non-Alcoholic 12 oz. Drinks Coffee 6 oz. Stern's Sources: www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/how-to-cater-a-party-for-50/e27504.aspx Catering Co. www.ehow.com/way_5273251_much-catered-food-party.html restaurants.about.com/od/catering/a/Catering_FAQ.htm www.sternscateringcompany.com HOW MUCH FOOD DO YOU NEED? Get Your Catering Order Right CATERING CONSIDERATIONS Consider your guests and gathering type before you order: What time of day is the event? If guests have eaten lunch or dinner before an event, they will eat less than if you plan your event at a meal time What season is Cold, refreshing foods are great for the warm months and hot, savory foods complement colder weather the event going to be held in? How long will your party last? Will you serve a meal or just appetizers/hors d'oeuvres? Who is What is the event? coming? You can expect guests to consume less at a formal wedding reception than at a Super Bowl party Consider appetites- If you serve a main course, you will need fewer hors d'oeuvres Order additional food and drinks a group of women will typically eat less than a group of men for longer events Seated events are good for finer fare that requires utensils while standing events are Make sure you accommodate dietary needs of guests such as vegetarians or those with gluten allergies If it's an event where guests will be coming and going, not everyone will eat great for showcasing finger foods FEEDING FORA PARTY Use these guidelines for a 4-hour event, and scale up or down as needed: BREAKFAST Appetizers 2 pieces 2 Main Dish 5 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 2 pieces Dessert N/A Non-Alcoholic Drinks 8 oz. Coffee 8 oz. LUNCH Appetizers 2 pieces 2 Main Dish 6 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 1 piece Dessert 1 piece Non-Alcoholic 8 oz. Drinks Coffee 6 oz. DINNER 1 Appetizers 4 pieces 2 Main Dish 7 oz. 3 Side Dishes 8 oz. 4 Bread/Pastries 1 piece Dessert 1 piece 6 Non-Alcoholic 12 oz. Drinks Coffee 6 oz. Stern's Sources: www.foodservicewarehouse.com/education/how-to-cater-a-party-for-50/e27504.aspx Catering Co. www.ehow.com/way_5273251_much-catered-food-party.html restaurants.about.com/od/catering/a/Catering_FAQ.htm www.sternscateringcompany.com