Mid-Summer in Minnesota means that it's patio season is in full swing. Instead of sitting on a waiting list for outdoor dining, why not host your own dinner for friends? We've got some tips for hosting a small-scale event that will come in handy when trying to plan how much food to prep, and how much of that yummy sangria you'll need to mix up.
Before you get going on that grocery list, though, make sure you think through what kind of party you want to host. Are you having a formal Sunday Brunch? Will you serve finger-food appetizers only? Asking yourself questions like these will help decide your food purchases. It's also important to consider what type of guests will be attending your shin-dig. Is this a wine-loving group of friends? Are they mostly women?
We've constructed a guide to knowing exactly how much to serve at your next backyard patio party, depending on how many friends you plan on having over. Follow the tips below, and if you're ever questioning an amount, always round up!
A P P E T I Z E R S
6 tasting bites, if served before a meal 4-6 tasting bites, per person, per hour if served as a meal
>> You can always set up some amazing cheese platters or a small station of locally sourced goodies like Maddie & Maize Popcorn, to supplement the number of bites
D I N N E R POULTRY, MEAT, OR FISH: 6 - 8 oz. per person
>> Try to make something low-maintence you can prep the night before so you're not spending the entire party in the kitchen!
>> Non-meat options are great, too! This recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli from Minneapolis Blogger, Pinch of Yum, will leave your guests in the presence of ravioli greatness.
S I D E S / V E G G I E D I S H E S
RICE OR GRAINS: 1.5 oz. per person
POTATOES: 5 oz. per person
VEGGIES AND FRUIT: 4 oz. per person
GREEN SALAD: 1 oz. per person
>> Ask friends to help out and bring a side for the group! Family style is extremely popular at small get togethers, and it allows for conversation about the food each individual brought to the party!
>> Try this Chinese Cashew Salad from local blogger, Melissa of the faux martha.
B E V E R A G E S
WINE: 1 bottle for 2 people for a 2-hour party
SOFT DRINKS + JUICES: three 8 oz. glasses per guest (at a non-alcohol party)
BEER: 2 bottles per person first hour, 1 bottle every hour afterwards
WATER: 1 liter of water for every three guests
>> Try this Mambo Taxi, a take on a traditional sangria from the faux martha.
D E S S E R T S
1 slice of cake or tart per person
5 oz. of ice cream per person
>> Or you can keep the wine and cocktails flowing and skip dessert altogether!
These tips can be calculated to be used on a much larger scale event such as a wedding as well! Just remember to take into account what your guest count is and what other types of food will be served to make your best estimate.
Have fun celebrating this summer!
image sources: Laura Ivanova | Pinch of Yum | The Faux Martha