How many Hors d'oeuvres do you need?

Woo hoo! The Holiday party season is about to begin! A fantastic time of year for friends, family, food, and fun. It's also a great Holiday Party opportunity for Hosts to throw Cocktail Parties. Cocktail parties are popular at this time of year because they are just so flexible. They can be a preludes to a dinner, done in conjunction with another friend's party as a "kick-off" a bigger party or a Cocktail Party can simply stand alone as a time to relaxing and mingle.

I could focus on the "Cocktails" to serve at a Cocktail party (or even a cocktail reception) but it's also important to make sure offer enough hors d’oeuvres for your guests. So how many hors d'oeuvres do you need for the crowd? Here are some tips to help determine the type of Hors d'oeuvre Service to offer guests (Light, Medium and Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres) and how much to feed your guests.



Light Hors D'oeuvres
Light Hors d’œuvres refer small appetizers served as an afternoon snack or before a seated meal. They may be cold, light, and often consist of fruit, crudités (cut fresh vegetables), cheeses, dips, spreads, and crackers. They are usually accompanied by cocktails or other beverages such as tea, coffee, sparkling water, punch, etc.

Light Hors D'oeuvre Service
When serving light Hors d'oeuvres plan on 4 - 6 pieces per guest.




Medium Hors D'oeuvres
Medium style Hors d’oeuvre service will offer your guests more food and can be considered a hearty snack eaten between lunch and a late dinner. They can consist of many of the same items seen in a light Hors d’oeuvre service but they may also include delicate savory finger sandwiches, petit fours, small tarts and sweets – much like the foods you’d find in a British-style Afternoon tea.

Medium Hors d'oeuvre Service
Plan 7 to 10 pieces per guest


Heavy Hors D'oeuvres
Heavy Hors d’oeuvres are the most substantial of the Hors d’oeuvre services. These Hors d’oevres are usually cooked and served warm (ex: savory or sweet Baked Puffed Pastries, Greek Lamb Meatballs, Mini Spring rolls, Bacon wrapped Scallops, Thai Chicken skewers, Smoked Salmon on mini potato pancakes, Beef with Horseradish on Crostinis, etc). Heavy Hors d’oeuvres can be used to substitute a meal and are ideal for cocktail parties and cocktail-style receptions.

Heavy Hors d'oeuvre Service
Plan for at least 11 to 13 pieces per guest