How many appetizers per person, Appetizer hints and tips

Appetizers to make per person for a dinner or cocktail party?

Cocktail Party: 12 appetizers per person

Dinner Party: 6 appetizers per person

A fairly standard formula is used among caterers to figure out how many appetizers are needed from each recipe.

12 pieces per person times the number of people divided by the number of different appetizers. (When they are being served before a full dinner, halve the totals.)

If the guest list has fewer than 45 people, plan on using roughly 6 different appetizers; for more than 45 guests, 8 types. The rule of thumb for smaller gatherings is that 3 types are suitable for 8 to 10 guests; 4 or 5 for 14 to 16 people.

Having an equal number of hot and cold foods is also helpful so that while one appetizer is heating in the oven, a cold one can be circulating, keeping everyone nibbling happily.

Check out all my great Appetizer Recipes (includes Hors d' oeuvres, Starters, Amuse-Bouche, & Snacks)