How Much Food Per Person? Party Catering Quantities

A simple guide to catering quantities for parties — finger food, mains, desserts and drinks.

Working out how much food to buy is one of the hardest parts of hosting. These are rough guides — adjust for your crowd and the time of day.

Finger food only

**2-hour event:** about 8–10 pieces per person

**Over a mealtime:** 12–15 pieces per person

Meat: about 150–200g cooked per person

Salads and sides: 3–4 options, a generous scoop each

Bread: 1–2 rolls per person

Allow about 150–200g of cheese, meat, crackers and fruit per person as a starter, or more if it's the main food.

1–2 portions per person, or 1 slice of cake plus a small sweet

Water: at least 500ml per person (more in summer)

Soft drinks: 2–3 per person

Ice: about 1kg per guest for summer events

Ask on the invitation and plan at least one vegetarian, one gluten-free and one dairy-free option. Label everything.

Have containers ready so guests can take food home and nothing goes to waste.