Party Food Planning Tips - Finger Foods: How many, How much?

[Ben Hein]

Tips For Your Party Food Planning:

Consider your comfort level when thinking about the party menu and quick recipes. Also keep in mind the number of guests you are inviting.

How much food should you serve? Well, the general guideline is 6 appetizers per person per hour for a cocktail party. If appetizers are replacing dinner, than plan on at least 10 appetizers for each guest throughout the night and try to have at least 5 choices.

If you are planning a home cooked party food menu, prepare as much of the food as you can ahead of time. Keep a list of what needs to be done, so last minute touches are not forgotten.

If you want to plan an easy meal, make it a barbecue event and ask guests to bring the side dishes and you provide the meat. You can also make it a full potluck party and ask everyone to bring a dish to share.

Do all your chopping and slicing in advance. Store chopped veggies in plastic bags, ready for your platter.

These days, no party menu should be without a few healthy food choices.

Be sure to serve foods with a variety of tastes, temperatures, and textures. Include both hot and cold dishes, serve creamy dips with a crisp assortment of unique vegetables and try not to go overboard with one particular flavor or spice.

Party foods that can be easily held with one hand are an important consideration as well. Your guests may be standing for most of the party and if so, trying to balance a plate of food and a beverage could lead to a messy disaster!

Article by Preetu