Party for 35 - Italian Cuisine - How much to order?!
Party for 35 - Italian Cuisine - How much to order?
I am hosting a birthday party for my fiance. We are expecting 35 people for certain, and possibly 5 more last minute arrivals. I am ordering from a local Italian restaurant but am confused on quantity. I plan to order
salad
chicken parm
eggplant parm
meatballs
baked ziti
antipasto
They have small and large. Small feeds 8-10, large feeds 18-22. I do not want a huge supple of leftovers, as has happened in the past.
In addition to this, we will have a veggie tray, chips, salsa and lots to drink.
Opinoins on what sizes would be great!!!
Answers:
You're talking 40 people- how many men = how much to order. Are they eaters? if so and more than half are men order 2 chicken parm, 2 baked ziti, 2 meatballs, 1 eggplant- most men do not like it, 2 antipasto and 2 salad- for the women. Dont worry about leftovers, give them doggie bags to go or better yet, you can freeze everything but the antipasto and salad. As far as the veggie tray- thats a mostly women only dish so 2 each of the hearty foods for the men should be sufficient - rule of thumb- better to have more than not to have enough--- happy eating- love the italian.............
I'd get 1 large salad, and 1 large antipasto.Then get 1 smal each of chicken parm, egg parm, meatballs, ziti. With that wide of an assortment, bplus other offerings, no one will be able to eat a full serving of any of it. And any that do will take care of those who only eat antipasto and salad.
Rule of thumb: 60% of those invited to a party show up. So if you invited 35, only plan to feed 21, whether or not all 35 they said they'd come. That rule of thumb has stood me well over the years, and is darn true!
I would order one small and one large of the chicken parm and the eggplant parm. One large of the meatballs and the ziti. Two large of the salad and one large antipasto plate. Salad is one thing that tends to go fast because people can eat more of it. I would think that the above amounts would give you enough to feed all of your guests and have minimal leftovers. Hope this helps.
I would buy two larges. Remember it's Italian! Abondanza! More is better. If it's good, then leftovers should be minimized, however, it is customary to send your guests home with a plate or two of leftovers. So, NO PROBLEM!