The Holiday Party Appetizer Ratio You Need To Remember

Hosting a holiday party can be a lot of fun, but it can also create a lot of unwanted stress. How many people can you comfortably fit in your home, how much and what types of food and drink should you serve, and what should you do about Uncle Joe when he gets a little tipsy are just a few questions you might have to ask yourself.

The holidays should be about having fun and bonding with friends and family, both old and new. While only you can answer most space- and family-related questions, we can offer some assistance in clearing up a few of the more vexing food-centered issues that many holiday hosts have to deal with.

Take a deep breath, find your center and relax. We are about to make holiday entertaining a much more enjoyable experience that won't leave you with gray hair and unsatisfied guests. 

Taste of Home offers tips that deal with how much of what you should provide. For bite-sized appetizers, the golden ratio is six per person, which should be enough to satisfy early arrivals until dinner is ready but not too much that your guests aren't hungry for the main course.

For drinks, things are a little more complicated and, to a great extent, depend on the type of beverages you are offering. For Non-alcoholic drinks, one is enough if you also provide cocktails; otherwise, plan on three. Wine is a bit more straightforward, and one bottle per two people should suffice. When it comes to beer, it depends on the length of the party. Taste of Home suggests two per person for the first hour and one an hour after. For stronger libations, three drinks per person should be enough, but it can also depend on the crowd you have invited.

A few other stress-relieving suggestions come to us from experts featured on Martha Stewart, including Allison Pieter, an event producer who recommends sending out early invitations requesting an RSVP. Katie Benson, owner of #TableSettingIsMyLife suggested spreading the appetizers around your home so people don't congregate in one area. Perhaps the best tip, though, is to let professionals help. Whether you order some of your dishes already prepared or hire a cleaning service for post-party cleanup, don't try to do it all yourself.

To take your holiday gathering to the next level, Style and Wanderlust makes some excellent suggestions that can save you a lot of work and add a bit of competition to your party. Instead of providing all the food yourself, make it a potluck affair. Give out prizes for the best holiday-themed dish to add a little festive fun. 

Style and Wanderlust also suggests paying particular attention to your musical choices. While mingling guests will be the event's focus, the music you play will determine the party's atmosphere. Be sure to keep things festive but diverse enough that everyone has something to enjoy.