Plan your Party the right way
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
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