The portions: too much is like not enough!
22•11•2021
You are organizing an event and you want to be sure that your guests will have enough to eat. Imagine what would happen if you hadn't provided enough canapes for everyone... The embarrassment! But you also don't want to get carried away by ordering too much food. So how do you plan well? Do not panic: we will help you. Here are some basic rules that will help you establish your needs.
The type of event
Along with the number of guests, you need to consider the type of event, time of day, and duration. Is it a brunch? A wedding where you want to impress your in-laws? A cocktail, a dinner or just a few appetizers to silence the hungry while waiting for the main meal?
A LUNCH
You can simply serve pastries (2 per person) with fruit, and maybe a few bites of cheese or even an omelet with accompaniments, juice and coffee.
A BUSINESS DINNER
Offer your guests a more traditional formula consisting of a soup or a salad, a main dish and a dessert (light!), for those who want to sweeten their beak at the end of the meal.
A DINNER WITH FRIENDS
Evening meals are usually larger than lunchtime meals and consist of 3 to 5 courses. A few tasty bites, an appetizer, a main course, a piece of cheese and a dessert… Your guests will be delighted!
The amount of hors d'oeuvres per person
For an afternoon gathering, count 3 to 4. Before supper, 3 to 5 will do, but make sure it's not too heavy. If it's a 5 to 7, 7 to 9 bites. For a cocktail reception, plan 15 to 18 per guest. Unless you are planning a small dinner appetizer or some larger bites.
When in doubt, always round your numbers up to make sure you don't miss anything. And be aware that some tend to get carried away more easily when it comes to a buffet. If you are serving a wide variety of bites, make sure they are small.
Your guests will thus have the pleasure of tasting everything without guilt… and while keeping room for dessert!
Let's not forget the drinks!
About three drinks per person should be enough, to be adjusted of course according to the type of reception (and the clientele!) Make sure you also have coffee and non-alcoholic drinks in sufficient quantity, at all times.
Of course, these are just a few outlines to help you see things a little more clearly. Too many numbers and you are even more confused than before? No problem! We will be happy to help you make a more detailed plan of attack that will meet your needs and make your guests salivate.
