Entertaining can seem complicated, but once you have planned out all the details an event can be rewarding and go like clockwork. Although it can be a challenge to please all your guests, just follow a few easy steps and there will be little to worry about, and you too can enjoy the party!


 

How Much Wine, and For How Many

Cocktail Parties
• Plan close to ½ bottle of wine per guest every 2 hours
• Parties before 5:00pm - or events with other alcohol - less wine is needed: ½ bottle per guest every 3 hours
• When guests serve themselves increase your wine availability by 10%

Dinner Parties
• A 750 ml wine bottle will serve 5 guests with a 5oz pour, with dinner count on 1 to 1 ½ servings for each guests course
• Event Planning Made Simple: Cocktail Party

Get Organized
• Make sure room is cool prior to party time
• Ensure there is room for the guests – move all large furniture
• Set up bar away from door – allow for plenty of room on all sides
• You can rent almost anything

How Much For How Many

  ITEM 20 GUESTS 50 GUESTS
  Glassware
Champagne
White Wine
Red Wine
Water
 20 50
  Napkins (5 per person) 100 250
  8-inch plates (2 per person) 40 100
  Small Forks (2 per person) 40 100
  Food 200 - 280 Pieces 560 – 1000 Pieces
  Beverage
Champagne
White Wine
Red Wine
Mineral Water
 3 bottles
3-4 bottles
4-5 bottles
12, 10-oz bottles 		6-7 bottles
6-8 bottles
11-12 bottles
24, 10-oz bottles
  Ice (to chill wine) 2, 5-pound bags 2, 5-pound bags

* Chill all white wine and champagne for at least 3 hours before guests arrive. Open about 2 bottles of red wine 30 minutes before guests arrive. Open additional wine as needed.

Special Equipment
• Baking sheets
• Corkscrews
• Champagne openers
• Serving platters
• Doilies
• Serving utensils
• Candles
• Matches
• Trivets
• Flowers and/or decorations
• Extra, lined garbage cans for recyclable and regular garbage

Disaster Control
• Low on Food: Call the local restaurant and have a delivery
• Low on Wine: Slow the pouring and bring out other options
• Spilled Wine: Flush spill with water and treat with Wine Away Stain Remover