How to Throw a Party Without Really Trying

Planning food for a party can be pretty overwhelming. You have to decide how much food and drinks you will need to prepare in order to ensure there is enough for the guests. You also have to decide what sort of food you will need to make. What foods are easier to prepare? What drinks will be easy to put together and that everyone will like? The list goes on and on.

Party planning can be simple and fun. Getting all the work done before the party is the best part so you can open the door to greet your first guest, and be ready to enjoy the party as much as they will! Check out how to throw a successful party without really trying below.

How much food will you need?

There should be some leftovers at the end of the party. This means that everyone should have enough to eat, but not enough where you pass out dozens of leftovers for the guest to take home. The chart below can help you estimate the quantity and type of food you’ll need.

How Much Food to Make Per Person

How Much Drinks You’ll Need

Guest will normally drink two drinks in the first hour and one drink each hour for the rest of the party.

Put Together Your Menu Now

Once you have an idea about how many people and the quantity of food you will need, it’s time to focus on thinking about the menu.

The Main Dish

Always start by picking the main dish of your party. The main dish helps gives you a starting point for getting the rest of with menu together. Think about complementary flavors and different types of dishes that can go to together. You may even think about looking for the main dish that can be made completely ahead of time so you can focus on your guests when they arrive.

• Keep in mind the serving sizes as these are just guidelines. Hearty eaters might eat more than one serving of the main fish if it’s served alone. Adding appetizers or sides can take the edge off for those with bigger appetites.
• Plan for extra guests just to be on the safer side of things.
• Think about the time of day. Light meals are usually for brunch and lunch and dinner is usually heartier.

Side Dishes

Choose heavier or lighter sides depending on the main dish you have chosen to serve. What types of flavors will complement your meal? Plan for hot and cold dishes so there is not too much to do at last minute as the guest will start arriving. Biscuits and bread rolls can be served either room or hot temperature. Salads can be made ahead and stored within the fridge while hot side dishes are kept in the slow cooker until ready to be dished.

Check out these side dishes!

Appetizers

Dips and bit-sized snacks start the party off on the right foot. It gives the guest a tasty talking point. Here are a couple things to keep in mind as you get everything planned for the party:

• How many guests will be there? Plan at least 4-5 appetizers per person, per hour.
• Where will the appetizers be served? Will they be around while snacking? Consider serving bit-sized snacks that don’t require using utensils if they are walking around.
• What is the occasion of the party? Game days usually have appetizers as the main dish.
• Do you have space in the oven for a hot appetizer? If you don’t, be sure to sure cold appetizers. You could also use your slow cooker to keep your dips or other appetizers warm.

appetizers!

Desserts

There are plenty of different desserts to choose from. Make-ahead desserts save the day! Do yourself a favor and get the dessert done the day before or even early in the day before the event. There are plenty of crowd-friendly desserts, such as slab pies, cookies, and sheet cakes.

Check out these desserts!

Drinks

Plan the type of drink you are going to serve to your guest. Will it something simple like old-fashioned lemonade and soda pop or a glass of wine and sparkling sangria? Ask yourself some of the questions below when you plan for the beverages at your party:

• Are your guests the type to drink the whole night?
• How long will you get together? Guests will normally drink two drinks in the first hour and one drink every hour until the party is over.
• What is your budget if you are going to be serving alcohol?

What are some of your planning party tips when you invite guests over? What are some dishes and other foods you serve? Share your tips and recipes below with us in the comments!