How to plan food and drink for a party

Just the right amount of food and drink — without a lot of leftovers and wasted food and expense — is the aim of any party planner. You can work out your quantities by person and by time. Here's how.

• Allow four pieces per person to accompany drinks before dinner, 12 to 15 per head for a two-hour cocktail party
• Bite-sized appetizers are nothing but a base with toppings. Classic pairings include small squares of rye bread topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill, or baguette slices with bruschetta mix on top.
• 'Devils on horseback' are a classic: wrap ready-to-eat prunes in a half a slice of bacon. Secure with a cocktail stick. Brush with olive oil and oven cook at 200°C (400°F)for 10 minutes until crisp.
• Serve sausages cooked in the oven with mustard and rosemary, hot mini meatballs or mini quiches.
• For low-carbohydrate alternatives to classic bases like bread, pitas, slices of baguette, use hollowed-out cherry tomatoes, sticks of celery or red pepper, crisp lettuce or chicory leaves, or fruit, such as dried apricots.

• Allow around 700 grams (1 1/2 pounds) food per person in total for a three-course main meal.
• For a dinner or lunch, serve a main course consisting of around 200 grams (eight ounces) of protein such as meat or fish, 125 to 150 grams (2/3 cup) of carbohydrate such as potatoes, rice or pasta and a remaining 125 to 150 grams (2/3 cup) of accompanying vegetables.
• If serving pasta as a main course or a substantial starter, work on the basis of 100-125 grams (1/4 pound) per person.

• A 750 millilitre (24 ounce) bottle of wine will yield six glasses. Calculate on the basis of three to four glasses per person for a two-hour cocktail party, evening meal or a celebration lunch.
• A 750 millilitre (24 ounce) bottle of spirits will make about 30 shots of 25 millilitres (3/4 ounces) each.
• On average, allow four shots per person for a drinks party lasting two hours — plus 100 millilitres (1/2 cup) of mixer for each shot.
• For soft drinks such as orange juice, allow about 400 millilitres (1 3/4 cup) per person.

Following these simple tips will help you plan out the perfect party. Make sure to plan accordingly and complete as much preparation as you can in advance so you can enjoy the party as well.