There’s nothing worse than looking around at your party and noticing only a few people have drinks or that you’re out of appetizers halfway through the soireé. Make sure no one goes hungry or thirsty with this simple serving guide.

*This guide can be adjusted accordingly based on your number of expected guests.

• Drinks
  You should always offer a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks at your party. It’s wise to keep beer, wine, water, and soft drinks on hand no matter what, but consider preparing a premade cocktail as well.

  • Soft drinks:
    1–2 (12-oz.) cans per guest each hour
  • Wine or champagne:
    2 (5-oz.) servings per hour per guest for the first hour; 1 every additional hour
  • Beer:
    2 (12-oz.) cans per hour per guest for the first hour; 1 every additional hour
  • Cocktails:
    2 (4–5-oz.) servings per hour per guest for the first hour; 1 every additional hour



• Appetizers
  The golden rule of hosting? Leave no guest with an empty stomach! Having a variety of appetizers (4–5 is a good number) is the best way to hold everyone over between drinks.

  • Bite-sized apps:
    16–20 pieces per person (if replacing dinner)
  • Cheese and crackers:
    1½–3 oz. and 8–10 crackers per person
  • Dips:
    ¼ c. dip per person
  • Veggies:
    3–4 oz. per person
  • Small desserts:
    3 pieces per person