Figs & Honey Blog

How to Order the Right Catering Portions

It’s something that every party host asks themselves before an event: How much food am I going to need? And at Figs & Honey Catering, it’s a question we get all the time. While it may seem like every party is different, attendees generally eat in the same patterns. So knowing the right catering portions is integral information to making sure your party runs without a hitch, and that there’s enough good food to go around.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when ordering food:

Always plan for more

This is a classic catering rule: round up. In case anything happens, what would you rather have at a party: no food, or leftovers? If you’re having 20 people, maybe get enough food for 25 people. 50 people? Maybe get enough for 55, or 60. You never know who’s going to show, or not show. And this rule applies up the food chain.

Follow these portion sizes

The industry has its portion size standards, and they are as follows: the main meal of poultry, meat or fish should be six ounces, or eight if you’re offering more than one course. Any rice or grain should be 1.5 ounces. Potatoes, 5 ounces, and vegetables, 4. Pasta and beans: each 2. For the full breakdown, you can find that here.

• Insider tip: always order more bread!

More time, more food

Here’s another rule of thumb: the length of your event runs parallel to how much food you serve. The longer the event, the more food you’ll need. Put yourself in an attendee’s shoes—ask yourself: when would you get hungry? And plan your event from there.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to cater the perfect party. And at Figs & Honey Catering, we’ll be happy to help with any and all of your catering needs, no matter what the occasion may be. Just give us a call!