With sass, smarts, and a splash of sparkle from Cherry Pop Events 💋

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Alright, sugar—so you’re planning a celebration to remember. The guests are invited, the playlist is swingin’, and the venue’s got that perfect golden-hour glow. But here comes the real question that turns a fabulous host into a frazzled one: “How much do I actually need to serve?!?”

You don’t want folks leaving hungry (scandalous!) or ending up with 42 uneaten cupcakes and a melted cheese tray. So let’s break it down, 1950s hostess style, with per-guest servings, savvy tips, and a little retro wisdom from yours truly.

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The Party Portion Cheat Sheet: Per Guest

Use these numbers as your trusty ration chart for smooth sailing:

🧀 Appetizers (Before the Meal):

Light Party (1–2 hours): 4–6 bites per guest
Full Meal Event: 6–8 bites per guest
(Add more if Uncle Earl has a reputation for loitering near the shrimp cocktail)

🥗 Salad:

1 cup per guest (about 1 small handful from a buffet, or one plated portion)

🍽️ Main Meal (Plated or Buffet):

• Protein: 6–8 oz
• Starch (potatoes, rice, etc.): 4–6 oz
• Veggies: 3–4 oz
• Bread: 1.5 rolls or slices per guest
  (Round up if your crowd is made of hungry fellas or dance-happy dames)

🍷 Wine:

1 bottle = ~5 glasses
Plan for:

• 1–2 glasses per guest per hour (if it’s the main drink)
• 1 bottle for every 2–3 guests for a 2-hour dinner

🍺 Beer:

1 bottle or can per guest per hour (more for backyard vibes, less for formal affairs)
Bonus Tip: Men tend to drink 60% more beer than women. Who knew?

🧁 Desserts (Besides Cake):

2–3 mini desserts or treats per guest (macarons, cookies, mini pies, etc.)

🎂 Cake:

Round cake: Serves 12 (6-inch), 24 (9-inch), 38 (12-inch)
Sheet cake:

• Quarter sheet: ~20
• Half sheet: ~40
• Full sheet: ~80
  Plan for: 1 slice per guest… unless it’s chocolate. Then bump it up, sugar.

🥤 Iced Tea / Lemonade / Punch:

1–1.5 cups per guest per hour
(Hot day? Double that and throw in some extra lemon wedges for flair.)

☕ Coffee:

1 cup per guest if serving with dessert
2 cups per guest if it’s an evening or brunch affair
Don’t forget: sugar, cream, and maybe a little Bailey’s for the bold.

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Rule of Thumb: Retro Hostess Edition

Here’s a few golden rules Cherry Pop Events swears by when calculating your portions like a pro:

🍽️ 1. Always Overestimate by 10%

Aunt Margie will sneak seconds, and someone’s date will be hungrier than expected. Better to have a few leftovers than not enough.

🕰️ 2. Factor in Time of Day

• Brunch? People eat lighter.
• Cocktail hour? Fewer heavy bites, more sips.
• Dinner reception? Bring on the carbs, darling.

🍷 3. Know Your Crowd

If you’ve got a crowd of foodies, double the charcuterie. If it’s a dry event, cut the wine and add more iced tea and mocktails.

🧊 4. Don’t Forget the Ice!

1 pound of ice per guest for a warm-weather event. Seriously. Your drinks (and your lipstick) will thank you.

📦 5. Rent the Right Serveware

Nothing ruins a gorgeous buffet like running out of plates halfway through the line.
Plan for:

• 1.5 plates per guest
• 2 napkins per guest
• 1 cup for every drink type per guest (or swap for vintage reusable glasses for extra charm)

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💋 Leave the Math to Us, Doll

Hosting shouldn’t feel like algebra in heels. Whether you’re throwing a retro garden party or a full-blown wedding soiree, Cherry Pop Events knows how to balance flavor, style, and just the right amount of stuff-your-face fabulousness. We’ll handle the head counts, portion charts, and ice buckets—so you can focus on the bubbly and the boogie.

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Ready to party smart AND stylish?
Let Cherry Pop Events dish out the perfect plan. 🍒
📞 cherrypop.events
Serving sass, snacks, and sanity since the atomic age.