Running out of food at a party is a host’s worst nightmare – nothing can bring a poppin’ party to a screeching halt like hungry guests, or latecomers who find no food left. Don’t get caught running out for more food or trying to whip something together in the kitchen while your guests wait—or worse—leave! Party food planning is part art, but mostly science. Guessing what and how much to serve can be a breeze with these easy metrics.

As a general rule: Purchase 1 lb. of food per person, plus beverages and dessert.

That is the average figure for a full meal. Now, let's break it down into averages depending on the type of party and the particular party foods served.

Hors d’oeuvres

On average, your guests will consume 5 hors d'oeuvres per person per hour for the first 2 hours and 3 per person per hour for each additional hour. So for a 3-hour party of 10 people, you will need to prepare about 130 appetizers; or a little less if the party will be followed by a meal.

Dips

Add the total weight of the main ingredients and use the 1 to 1.5 lbs. per person rule.

Don’t forget to include beverages in your party planning. Plenty of libations will keep your party on par no matter what comes up!

Coffee

Most parties call for coffee, a little or a lot. Make a nice gourmet coffee and figure about 1 cup per guest for a cocktail party and 3 or more cups per guest where little or no alcohol is served.

The amount of punch or number of cocktails/beers a guest will drink varies. Allow for the length of the party, the strength of the beverage, the day of the week, and the rowdiness (or lack thereof) of the crowd.

Punch

Figure 10 people to the gallon. That's a conservative estimate, assuming your guests will drink about three 4-ounce servings during the party.

Cocktails

Your guests will consume an average of 2 drinks per person per hour for the first 2 hours and 1 drink per person per hour after that.

Remember, you can always discuss these ratios with your event coordinator at an outside venue as well. If in doubt, err on the side of having more than less. Your celebration should go off with a bang—don’t let a shortage of food or drink be what stops the celebration!