Barbecue Party Calculator from Food Network

Are you having a last minute get-together? 

Here are a few simple tips from The Food Network to 

ensure you have the right amount of food! 

For the Food

• Adults will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound.
• The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.
• Guests will always eat and drink more at night than during the day.

For the Drinks

• You can either create a few mixed drinks to be served punch-style, allotting 1 gallon for 10 guests, or provide a do-it-yourself array of alcohol and mixers (one 1-liter bottle of alcohol will make up to 22 mixed drinks). 
• Allow for 1 bottle of wine per 8 guests.
• Guests will consume 2 drinks in the first hour, and 1 drink every hour after that. 
• Buy 2 pounds of ice per guest, and a large number of lemons and limes.

For Hors D'oeuvres and Appetizers Only

• Assume each guest will eat 4 to 6 bites per hour. 
• For a cocktail hour preceding a larger meal, 6 bites per person total is a safe estimate. 
• Planning a more intimate dinner party with plated appetizers? 10 ounces of leafy greens for an appetizer salad will feed 10.

For Main Courses

• Each adult 6 to 8 ounces of meat or seafood total for their main course. 
• Smaller grill staples like hot dogs, ribs, chicken legs and thighs each run 1 1/2 to 4 ounces each. 
• For hamburgers, each store-bought patty is about 6 ounces. Consider making homemade smaller patties so guests can mix and match proteins.

For Condiments

• For ketchup, one 20-ounce bottle.  
• For mustard and relish, one 10-ounce bottle each. 

Side Dishes

• For pasta salad, 1 cup per guest
• Baked beans, about 1/2 cup
• For a group of 10, plan on 7 cups of potato salad and 5 cups coleslaw to feed the crowd.

Desserts

• Individual desserts like cookies and watermelon slices, assume guests will eat about 2 each. 
• For larger cakelike options, each guest will most likely eat 4 ounces. 
• Pre-slice your cakes or serve messier desserts or ice cream (also 4 ounces per guest) in cups.

Read more at Food Network and Happy Memorial Day!