How much food for 50 guests? A practical guide
Published
"Will there be enough?" is the question that keeps every host up at night. Below are concrete per-person figures to get it just right.
What does the amount depend on?
- Time of day and length: a 2 PM lunch has different needs than a party until midnight.
- Guest profile: a dancing party means bigger portions.
- Service style: for a buffet, plan about 15% more.
Per-person figures (a 5-6 hour party)
Cold snacks
About 300-400 g per person - cold cuts and cheese boards, salads, tartines, fish. For 50 guests that's 15-20 kg.
Hot dishes
Plan 2-3 main course types at about 200-250 g each, plus sides. A second hot dish in the evening (a broth or sour rye soup) restores the dancers' energy.
Sides and vegetables
Potatoes / grains / rice - about 200 g per person, salads - about 150 g.
Drinks
- Water: 1-1.5 l per person
- Juice / soft drinks: 1 l per person
- Coffee and tea: 70-80% of guests will have some
Better a small surplus than staring at empty platters mid-party.
The most common mistakes
- Guessing without per-person figures.
- No second hot dish for a late party.
- Too little water.
- Skipping special diets.