How To
By
eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
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Budget for party food
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Grocery list
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Party head count
Plan Your Menu and Shop for Food
Step1
Decide what type of food you'll serve. If you've chosen a theme, select food based on that, but add in a few non-theme-related items. For example, if you're having a fiesta, serve chips and guacamole, but also serve veggies and dip.
Step2
Choose between a buffet, barbecue, appetizers or a sit-down dinner. If you're going to a restaurant, consider offering your guests a fixed price menu with a limited selection of items. This will save time in ordering and will make it easier to gauge an accurate price per plate.
Step3
Select a menu. Even if you're planning a casual cheese-and-crackers party, plan to serve something a little more substantial if you're serving alcohol. Consider serving something fun at the buffet or sit-down dinner, like anatomically shaped pasta.
Step4
Decide how much food you'll need. Most people eat between four and six appetizers if you're also serving a meal--ten to twelve if not. For more information on portions per person visit the Food Network website (see Resources below).
Step5
Shop for food a few days before the party when you have a more accurate head count. Select produce and meat the day of the party.
Prepare and Serve Food
Step1
Prepare as much food as possible ahead of time. Chop and wash vegetables, prepare dips and slice desserts. Slice meat and bread so your guests won't have to.
Step2
Set out hot food after guests arrive and make sure guests have the right utensils.
Step3
Restock food at the buffet as serving platters are emptied. Keep the buffet area clean. Once most of your guests have eaten, clear the buffet and set out dessert plates and coffee.
