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ELLEN'S KITCHEN Cook Talk

graduation party
renee 06/02/07	I am having a graduation party for approx 100 people - about 20 of the guests are teenagers..The party starts at 4 pm till ???. I plan to make the following - will it be enough? 6 - 1/2 (catering) trays of baked ziti 4 - 1/2 (catering) trays of meatballs 4 - 1/2 (catering) trays of a (heavy) rice dish 200 pieces of fried chicken boiled hotdogs (75 dogs) Pulled pork (I plan on making 32 lbs of (uncooked) pork)for sandwhiches 4 lbs of pasta salad 4 large trays of lettuce and tomato salad dinner rolls veggie platters with dip fruit platters with dip cake cookies 10 cases of water 7 cases of flavored water 35 bottles of soda cotton candy machine slushy machine any advice you could give me is appreciated. THanks, Renee
ellen 06/03/07	Renee, this is a nice varied menu, but you may have more food than you need, unless you are planning to go more than 6 hours? I would probably omit either the pork or the meatballs and also the hot dogs. If the sodas are 2 liter you only need about 20, especially with the slushy machine. You only need about 1 1/2 pounds of food per adult, 2 pounds per teen. The size of catering trays varies, so does the depth, and the hold from 2 1/2 to 6 quarts each.
Anna 06/06/07	I have having a graduation party for about 120 people including about 15 teens, 15 kids and the rest adults. Here's my menu: 20 pounds of italian beef for sandwiches 125 pieces of Fried Chicken 10 pounds of Mostacciolo 20 pounds of potato salad 10 pounds of pasta salad 10 pounds of baked beans Please advise. Thank you.
ellen 06/07/07	The teens and kids will about balance each other out, so just count it as 120 people. For this size group I would double all your salads and beans (maybe triple the beans- the are not expensive), the beef and chicken look OK if that is cooked weight on the beef. I would consider adding a veggie tray with ranch dressing, or a vegetable casserole of some kind, or maybe a fruit salad.
TINA 06/27/07	i am have a graduation party for approx 75 people. this is the menu. with all the variety, please advise on quanity. not sure on teenager attendance. ham - shank portion baked chicken swedish meatballs cheesy scalloped potatoes potatoe salad pasta salad deviled eggs veggie tray cheese tray baked beans fruit salad rolls/bread
ellen 06/27/07	It is very tough to guess just right on 3 entrees for 75 people, I would probably do 75 pieces of chicken, 3-4 meatballs per person PLUS 3-4 ounces cooked ready to eat ham per person (which is about 1 pound bone in ready to cook for each 3 persons). You will probably have some extra ham, but that is way better than running out. All the rest of the items for quantity are covered under the various buttons at the top of the cook talk page- you want plan for 100 for themeats, salads and sides, beans and rolls, veggie trays for the veggie trays, fruit trays (for the fruit salad quantities) and the deviled eggs are a separate recipe- I use about 5 dozen whole eggs to make deviled eggs for 100.
Carol 06/29/07	I'm having a graduation party for 75 people and need to know how much mostaccoli I NEED? How many packs of noodles? how much sauce? and how many pds. of hamburger?
ellen 06/29/07	Carol, see the ltsa pasta page. The Mostaciolli and sausage for 120 recipe will give you a great amount if you make 2/3. If you have a recipe you like, just use mine for quantity guideline.
Jeanne Moroney 06/30/07	We are having a graduation party and planning on 90 people. I am having 200 pieces of fried chicken, 12 lbs of roast beef for roast beef sandwiches, 288 meatballs for meatball sandwiches, and pasta salad, fruit salad, tossed salad using your recipes for 100 people. Will also have 4lbs of coleslaw, pickles and olives, and assorted chips and snack foods. Will I have enough food? Should I add or delete anything? Thanks!
ellen 06/30/07	This should be plenty- don't forget your breads and rolls. There is a list on sandwich condiments on the sandwich event page.
ellen 06/30/07	Jeanne, the only thing you will run out of is slaw, as you would normally want at least 12-16 pounds, but as you have green salad, fruit salad and relishes, it should be fine.
Jeanne Moroney 06/30/07	Thanks Ellen! I really appreciate your help!
Barbara Buehl 08/30/07	open house I need some idea of quantities for vegie trays for a crowd of 100.
ellen 08/30/07	Barbara, there is a whole section on veggie trays with amounts. See the button at the top right of the main cook talk page.
Sharon 11/28/07	Fruit Salad I am making a fruit salad for 100 people. How many pounds of strawberries, banana's, grapes, oranges and apples should I get??
ellen 11/28/07	There are several recies for fruit salads for 100 on the fruit tray page, check them out.
Linda 02/13/08	I am trying to plan a graduation party we are hispanic so our menu will will be geared in that direction we already have 135 guest on the list but at hispanic functions there are always stragglers people who you dont invite. I dont know were to start I am thinking about having Pork,spanish rice,Beans,Nachos and Cheese some Hot Peppers. How many pounds of meat,how much spanish rice,beans,nachos and cheese and soft drinks would I need I am thinking about buying 2 liters there will be other things also but right now I not sure what else I am going to have. Please help me I am lost
ellen 02/13/08	Linda, if you plan for 150, will that be enough? You can use the plan for 100 tables for quantities for your shopping list, just get 1 1/2 times the amount for 100. You can use the specific recipes, such as one of my several Spanish rice recipes for 100. For nachoos made with chips, you want about 8 pounds of chips and 2-3 gallons cheese sauce per 100 (less if you have other oppings, more if you don't). About 1 gallon of jalapenos per 100. There is a beverage planning page and a dessert planning page for specifics about each of these areas and there is a salad planning table at the top of the plan for 100 page. If you make your list and are not confident you can post it and I will check it for you.
Elizabeth Ann 10/19/08	Homeschool Thanksgiving Feast Hi Ellen, I'm so glad to have found this forum! I am having a Thanksgiving Feast for approx. 60 people.How many 1/2 size catering trays of mashed potatoes and stuffing do I need?
ellen 10/19/08	You want 6-8 ounces of potato and about 4 ounces of dressing per person; get weights from your caterer.
Elizabeth Ann 10/21/08	Thanks Ellen! I appreciate your help.I have another question for you. Do you know approx. how many pounds of mashed potatos and how many pounds of dressing will fit into a half size aluminum tray.You see,everyone is working together to prepare food for this Thanksgiving dinner. I am the person in charge and this is my very first event! So I really want to do a good job. I have several ladies volunteering to make the trimmings but they want to know what size pan to put the food in. All the food will be put over sternos,so I'm asking them to put the food in either a half or whole tray.Now that you have given me the amount needed per person I'm trying to figure out how much will fill a tray.Thanks again for helping me out.I'm so thankful to have found this forum!
ellen 10/22/08	OK. The pans you use, you fill with water to the expected level and measure the water and it tells you how many servings your pan will hold. THIS IS IMPORTANT: it is UNSAFE to try to reheat the food over sterno. You MUST bring the pans to 165 minimum in the center (180 is better)(use a thermometer) in the oven before moving them to the sterno pans.
Elizabeth Ann 10/24/08	Hi Ellen, Thank you so much again for your help. I have a much better idea of how much food will be needed,and I feel much more confident that the dinner will be a success. Thanks!
JEANNE 12/12/08	bREAKFAST WITH SANTA I am cooking for appox 100 people for a breakfast with santa. i will be serving scrambled eggs, sausage and french toast sticks. At least 75 will be children. How much should i cook?
ellen 12/12/08	Cook 50 peoples worth each of eggs and French toast. You will have some left over, but it allows everyone their first choice. You need juice or fruit and coffee, of course, and milk is good- you might have 2 dozen individual servings of cereals, too, inexpensive and a great backup.
Jeannine 02/01/09	boy scout blue and gold banquet Ellen--I am planning a Blue and Gold Banquet for about 150 people--adults and children. How many pieces of fried chicken would you recommend? Also, any suggestions on amount of mashed potatoes? We will also have a veggie and rolls and butter and dessert. thank you!!
ellen 02/01/09	Covered in specific on the plan for 100 lists.
Holly 02/21/09	Wedding Reception Hi! we are catering my daughter's wedding reception for 150 people this is our menu: Sloppy Joes w/ rolls Macaroni Salad Baked Beans Deviled Eggs Chips Fruit Salad Is there anything that shouls be added to this to give more variety? I have no idea how much of what to get Thank you!
ellen 02/21/09	Hi, Holly, This is a simple informal straightforward menu to estimate amounts and you can use the plan for 100 lists, making 1 1/2 times the amounts for 150 people. If she and the guests are late teens, early 20's, make it 1 3/4- they eat more than older folks. I would probably make the mac salad meatless as there is no vegetarian entree offered. I might add 2 of the relish tray for 60 at the top of the veggie tray page. I would definitely use the condiment list for sandwiches on the sandwich event page. Fruit trays with dips keep better than fruit salad, are more usable if left over, and are prettier to display.
Carmen Coats 02/27/09	Hello, 125 people for Grad Party. I was wondering how many pounds of beans I would need for refried beans? Do you have any good recipes for just plain refried beans, with seasonings of course? Thanks a ton. Carmen
ellen 02/28/09	10-12 pounds dry. Here in san Antonio we have so many great mom and pop taquerias that I just rarely make them any more, but my usual recipe is here: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/oamc/burrito.html#refried If you want something a bit different, though, consider starting with black beans- mighty good!
Carmen Coats 03/02/09	I was thinking it might be to much work to make refried beans. So what do you think of me getting them at Cosco in bulk in can and adding some ingredients to make them taste home made. Do you have any suggestions on what I would add to them. Thanks
ellen 03/02/09	What about borracho or charro beans? Non of the mashing and reheating. If you get canned beans they will be fine just sub them cooked pound for the home cooked beans you would have used and use the same recipe you like.
Carmen Coats 03/08/09	Hello- Where can I find Borracho or Charro Beans? I have been looking and can't find them. Also how long in advance can I make refried beans and freeze them? Do I put them in zipper bags? Thanks again. Carmen
ellen 03/09/09	You can freeze the beans up to 2 months in advance. Borracho beans at the bottom of this page: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/beans100.html
Katie 03/22/09	Anniversary Celebration I am having an anniversary party and feeding about 90 people. About half of these are children. I want to make a relish tray with: cauliflower broccoli baby carrots celery grape tomatoes How much of each do i need?
ellen 03/23/09	For the purpose of vegetables, which kids don't usually eat too much of, count his as 65 and prepare 2/3 of the amount for 100 as described on the veggie tray page. Have ranch dretssing dip.
Kelly 04/07/09	party Hi Ellen, I'm making a tray of meatballs, the kind that goes over as sterno. I general, how many lbs of ground beef with I need to fill the tray?
ellen 04/07/09	It depends on the size of the meatballs and whether you stack them. In general about 5-6 pounds already made and cooked fit in a tray.
Carmen 04/13/09	Hi Ellen, Grad party for 125 people. Will 25 pounds of Hamburger be enough for Tacos? I will have rice and beans too.
ellen 04/14/09	Yes, See the taco and baked potato bar article for lots more help on toppings of all kinds.
Linda 04/16/09	I posted this once but under wrong topic. Grad party for 200 ppl will 30lbs of hambuger be enough for walking and 15lbs of shedded cheese, be enough? Also how much shedded lettuce and tomates would u say? I will aso be having fruit salad,gaden vegtable salad and chips and salsa
ellen 04/16/09	See the recipe for 25, get 8 times the amounts: www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/texmex1.html
Lori 04/20/09	We are having a graduation party feeding about 100 people. Can you tell me how much of each we need to buy? soft drinks potato chips pretzels pasta salad relish trays nacho dips meatballs and any other suggestions you would have. This will be mix of adults and children. Thank you for any information.
ellen 04/20/09	Lori, you can figure this yourself using the charts on site. There is a beverage planning page, an appetizer planning page, and a plan for 100 page to help you. The amount depends on when and how long the party is, also. Make a first estimate and post it and I will be glad to check for you. You need some non-nacho dips- 1/4 cup per person per flavor. You need some desserts- I like to serve 3-4 choices of small bars (2 bites each) per person. You would do well to add at least one more protein/ meat item if it is over dinner time. Fruit trays are pretty and popular, and can be made ahead.
Kathy 05/02/09	We are having a high school graduation party for my son. How much do I need to buy for 250 people? The party is from 2:00-7:00pm. Bush Beans, Charcoaled brats, broasted chicken,scallop potatoes, tuna saled, potato salad, summer salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, graduation cake, bars, veggie tray, cucumber spears,chips, sodas, water bottles, cofee
Kathy 05/02/09	We are having a high school graduation party for my son. How much do I need to buy for 250 people? The party is from 2:00-7:00pm. Bush Beans, Charcoaled brats, broasted chicken,scallop potatoes, tuna saled, potato salad, summer salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, graduation cake, bars, veggie tray, cucumber spears,chips, sodas, water bottles, cofee
ellen 05/03/09	Kathy, I don't do original estimates since I posted the tables in 2004. Make a run at an initial estimate, post it, and I will be glad to check. There is a beverage planning page, a dessert planning page, a plan for 100 page that has all the meats salads and vegetables. However, the biggest question is, will people come and go, or will they all be there most of the party? If they are stayers, you need at least two rounds of food- appetizer/snack till about 4:30-5, then dinner. If it is come and go, you have to deal with that the food can't sit out for more than 2 hours and estimate how much to serve, when. Basically, for quantity, you need a total of about 1 1/2 pounds of food per person, not counting beverages and desserts, including 1 gallon total of sides for each 10 people. I always allow at least 1 brat PLUS 1 piece of chicken per person, PLUS 10-20% fudge factor (if it is a high school graduation, they eat more.)
Beth 05/07/09	Ellen- I am having a graduation brunch for 150. Egg Casserole (serves 20-25) Spiral ham Fruit salad Rolls (for ham sandwiches) Sticky buns CAn you advise how much of everything I will need?
Meg 05/07/09	Ellen, Freaking out - I am not much of a cook! We are having up to 300 guests (1/2 teenagers) Is following enough please?!?! Walking Tacos - 20 lbs beef + 150 chip bags? Brisket - 10 lbs meat + 6 doz cocktail buns? BBQ Brisket - 10 lbs meat + 6 doz cocktail buns? Will have several sides, including cheesy potato casserole, baked beans, chips and a variety of salads? Thank you so much!
ellen 05/07/09	Beth, see the breakfast planning page and the festive brunch for 100 article and I bet you can do this yourself. Assume everyone will eat eggs- have 2 dozen plain hard-boiled for folks who don't eat the casserole. Don't forget to plan the coffee and juice- see the beverage planning page. Meg, this is no nearly enough food for 300 guests, specially if half are teenagers. Walking Tacos - 20 lbs beef + 150 chip bags-- need at least 45-50 pounds plus 300 bags- everyone will take at least one bag of chips. Brisket and BBQ Brisket - 10 lbs meat + 6 doz cocktail buns? Need at least 60 pounds of meat total and 200 buns. I would get more buns, some people will make sandwiches with the taco meat, also. I would add at least one serious dip to go with the chips; chili con queso, maybe. 1/4 to 1/3 cup per person. Check your amounts on the sides. You need at least 60 pounds of potato casserole plus 30 gallons of other sides.
Carmen 05/08/09	Grad party went from 125 to 180 people. Still having a Taco Bar. How much more of these items will I need? This is what I have now: 250 Hard Shells ? Soft Shells 25# Hamburger meat also Shredded chicken 10# 3 - 5# Shredded Cheese Bags 1-50 oz can Black Olives 5 Large Chip Bags at Cosco 10# tomatoes (roma) 12# Lettuce Shredded 3- 3# Container Sour Cream 2-96 oz Salsa - Mango/peach salsa 88 oz. Rice and Beans I've got covered 2 Large Vege Trays-Cosco How much Cilantro? 120 Deli spiral appetizers Ham/Cream cheese/Cheese/spinach- these are small Lots of cake/bars Please let me know what I need more of? My party is next week. Thanks so much. Carmen
ellen 05/09/09	This looks good. Don't open the third bag of cheese unless you see you need it. I would get at least enough deli spirals for 1 1/2 each for your max number of guests, don't want anyone to feel they missed something. Cilantro, I would chop at least 1 bunch for each 10 people, but I do love cilantro.
Sherry 05/14/09	anniversary party Having a pot luck and we are going to supply the fried chicken and sloppy joe's. I am expecting around 65 people. Have ordered 124 pieces of chicken and have cooked up 6 lbs. of hambuger..Also have a cake for 100 servings and will supply the drinks. Do you think I have ordered enough?
ellen 05/14/09	I would probaly double the burger. Everything else sounds right.
Nell 05/22/09	I am having a graduation party of approximately 60-70 people. I plan on serving chicken along with beef sandwiches. I will also have 4 types of salads, chips, veggie tray, and fruit tray. How much chicken and beef and rolls will I need? Thank you for your help. Nell
ellen 05/23/09	What I would allow is 15 pounds of beef with 60 rolls, about 80 pieces of chicken
carly 06/02/09	family reunion I am planning a meet and greet party for about 125 people this is what I will serve but I'm just not sure about how much food to buy. Swedish Meatballs Wings Pasta Salad Pimento Cheese Sandwiches Fresh fruit w/dip (strawberries, grapes, peaches, pineapple) Veggie Tray (celery,carrots)w/ranch dressing Punch/Water
ellen 06/02/09	Carly, this is primarily a DIY site, so I expect you to look up the available items in the site. For example, there is a veggie tray page, a fruit tray page and a beverage planning page which comprehensively cover each of those areas. Pasta salad is covered in the plan for 100 salad section at the top of the article. Use these to prepare estimates, and if you are not confident, post them and I will check them for you. If your party is over a mealtime (lunch or dinner), you will need about twice as much food compared to mid afternoon. For example, you allow 1/2 pound raw wings per person at mealtime, where you can use 1 pound for 3 or 4 mid afternoon. You want about 5 meatballs per person if they are toothpick size. For pimento cheese, it depends on how popular it is in your area; 18 pounds of cheese with 12 pounds of breads and rolls is not too much if it is very popular. But I would do it in bowls or logs and let people spread their own, since the made up sandwiches dry out very easily and can't be eaten as leftovers. Consider doing a dinner service of coffee, people driving in will appreciate it.
Michelle 06/02/09	Ellen, I'm so glad I found your site!! I'm planning a graduation party for Sunday at 6 PM & I'm so stressed out - I didn't plan ahead. I've got 53 pounds of frozen deer meat that I want to use to make BBQ sandwiches. I'm looking at 80 - 100 people coming (no one is RSVPing - so it's hard to say) I layed it out this morning to start thawing - My question is: I'm not sure if the weight of frozen meat is the same as thawed meat. Do you think I'll have enough? This is what I've got planned so far: I've got 200 hamburger rolls already. I plan on having coleslaw, pork-n-beans, jello salad, potato or mac salad, nuts, crackers, chips, ice cream, cake & punch for drinks. Thank you so much for any help you can offer!!
ellen 06/02/09	I hope it isn't all thawed, 40 pounds would be way plenty for this size crowd. Pasta salads are easier to make and store than potato and can be made ahead- 6 pounds dry pasta for 100 is what I use. For 100 I plan 3 gallons each beans and slaw. All your other items, even the nuts and mints, are covered specifically in the various tables on the site- the beverage planning page will even help with ice. Be sure to have at least 1 sugar-free beverage for diabetics and dieters.
Michelle 06/03/09	Ellen, Thanks for you advise. Do you think oven bags will help tenderize the meat? Since I'm short on time & don't have a huge crock pot I was thinking of slow cooking it in the oven & just thought about the oven bags. Also, can you tell me how to figure out how much cabbage to get for the slaw? The ones at the store weigh about 2 pounds each but that includes the core. Any suggestions?
ellen 06/04/09	The oven bags would be great and would allow you to season as well. Get 20 pounds of head cabbage plus your add-ins to make slaw for 100 people.
tracey 07/09/09	birthday party hi, i am soo glad i found your site... i have a couple questions. i am having a party for my mother in law...(about 100 people) i am thinking of getting some deli spirals from Sam's... how many per person? how many frozen punch blocks will i need? do you have any other non cooking appetizer ideas- trying to make this as easy as possible... thanks for any insight you might have!!!
Cindi 07/09/09	Hi!I am planning about 120 (100 adults, 20 children) people for graduation. This is my menu, please advise if I need more/less and any suggestions you may have: Roasted pig (serves 75-100) Hot sausage - 25 pounds Hot Dogs - 80 Fried Chicken - 150 pieces Pasta - 12 pounds Rancho beans - 4 gallons Pasta salad - 4 gallons Potato salad - 4 gallons Taco salad - 4 gallons Salad - 13 bags Kaiser rolls - 9 dozen Hoagie rolls - 9 dozen Thank you for your help!
ellen 07/10/09	Hi, Good job! You do not need the tossed salad with all the other salad choices. I would add fruit trays and sandwich condiments (see the respective articles for help on amounts)..You will have meats left over- only open the hot dogs as you need them. You will have some breads left, they freeze, A big bowl of swirled peanut butter and jam, or even egg salad, would be good for the non-meat eaters.
Norrice 07/13/09	wedding how much i need to buy? My menu as followed: 200 people fried chicken bbq ribs pork ham turkey collard greens dirty rice mac and cheese tossed salad potato salad rolls fruit cup and a one hour cocktail hour with hor' oedoures
ellen 07/14/09	Norrice, this is a do it yourself site and ALL these foods are listed in the planning tables. The only place you need some help is in the mixed entrees: For each single personis, order: chicken- 1 piece each bbq ribs pork- 1/2 pound each ham- 2-3 ounces each ready to eat turkey- 3 ounces each ready to eat You have to have more than enough so that each person can get their main choice.
john 07/15/09	I am having a outdoor graduation party for about 90 people...45 adults...45 teenagers...how many beverages do I get? needless to say the kids will not be drinking any alcohol...I'm thinking soda (coke diet coke, sprite), beer and bottled water...please help
ellen 07/16/09	Use the beverage planning page and plan for 75 non-alcohol and 40 alcohol drinkers. That way you will have enough of everything. The page talks about length of party, amount of sugar free, ice, glasses, well as the drinks themselves. You will want some bottled water and might want to add 2-3 gallons of iced tea for both teens and adults who don't do bubbly drinks.
Dawn 08/20/09	25th Anniversary My mom & her husband 25th wedding anniversary. 40# pulled pork sandwiches 140 buns 20# mixed veggie (cooked) 20# Fruit salad Chips macaroni salad(a lot) Coffee Arnie Palmer and punch Along with lots of cake Im guessing about 80 people will attend it's on a sunday at 1 to 4. do I need more food Thanks for any advice:)
ellen 08/20/09	No, you have a bit much: 35 pounds meat and 120 buns would be plenty. You need 4-5 pounds dry pasta to make enough macaroni salad- about 2 to 2 1/2 gallons.
C.C. 03/04/10	i am catering a graduation party for 125ppl. Im making baked mac and cheese green beansw/almonds tossed salad pasta salad italian sausage w/peppers and onion grilled chicken and roast beef sliders.. my question is how many pds of chicken do you think i need and how many pounds of beef for the sliders.
C.C. 03/04/10	i also would like to know how many sliders you think i should prepare. also how many italian sausage
ellen 03/04/10	For 125, I would do 4 ounces raw sausage PLUS 1 piece chicken PLUS 4 ounces raw beef; you will have some left, but everyone will get all they want.
V.C. 03/16/10	Hi first time grad party here!! We are having shredded hot beef sandwiches, chips, veg and dip trays, and an ice cream social type deal. Oh and also cake. I am totally in the dark on how much to make? I think I measured out 6lbs of chuck roast equals 9 cups of finished meat? How much punch? and plates and cups and such? Can you give me something to go by here? I am thinking of sending 100 invites out--what is the general rule for that? Is it 2.5 people per invite? I could desperately use your help!! Thanks so much! How many 12 X 18 cakes would I need? How much ice cream for sundaes with various toppings? SOrry this is so long! :)
ellen 03/16/10	Erh, VC, how many guests?
V.C. 03/16/10	HI Ellen---well I am thinking of 100 invites but that could be families of 5 or 2---do I have to go threw and count all that up or can a person do a general rule of 2 people per invite will show----except that 25%?
V.C. 03/16/10	Ok Ellen I sat down and tried to figure this out----I am thinking of about 90 - 100 invites sent out, that is about 200 people the way I figured it----so would a person be safe figuring 175 people? Sorry for such a jumbled bunch of emails here!! I am frazzled thinking about all there is to do---am sure my second graduation won't be near as bad!! :)
ellen 03/16/10	shredded hot beef sandwiches, Teens? Plan 2 sandwiches each. Adults, 1 1/2. You can make 4 sandwiches per pound of boneless raw chuck. Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze in sauce, this bulks up the meat a little. A vinegary slaw makes a nice salad with this. Sandwich condiments are discussed per 100 on the sandwich event page. chips, Teens 2-3 ounces, adults 1 to 1 1/2 ounces, the larger amount with dips or a longer party veg and dip trays- fully discussed on the veggie tray page I would add one heavy salad (pasta is much simpler than potato) or they will almost all eat two full sandwiches apiece. Also, fruit trays- they can be made ahead, look beautiful and people this age really like them. an ice cream social type deal. Oh and also cake. How many 12 X 18 cakes would I need? How much ice cream for sundaes with various toppings? This is answered at length on the Ice Cream Sundae bar page and the bottom of the dessert bar page. Now you can have a go at successfully estimating your party. If you need more advice than that, write back, post your estimates and ask your specific questions.
Candace 04/13/10	I am planning a graduation party for my husband with roughly 100 people. There may be more or less with no shows and stragglers. His family is hispanic and mine is not so I am trying to do a variation...might sound strange but here is my "planned" menu: Hotdogs Hamburgers Grilled marinated skirt steak potato salad refried beans mexican rice pop/beer I saw your page on planning for 100 so I am pretty confident with the quantities I need for most of the items, but not sure if I should cut back on the 1hotdog-1hamburger/person with the steak included. I am just not too sure about the skirt steak (arrachera) since most of the attendees will be my husband's family (his is MUCH larger than mine) I assume the steak will be a popular item. Just looking for some advice!!! Thanks!!
ellen 04/13/10	Congratulations to DH. When my dad got his degree, the department gave all the spouses certificates as PHT's- putting hubby through. Yes, you will have few dogs and not too many burgers and lots of steakeaten. In fact, I might just skip the dogs and burgers and add chicken quarters- easier to cook, very popular, and the leftovers are more useful. I would do 1 pound raw skirt steak for each 3 people PLUS 1 piece of chicken per person (a quarter counts as 2 pieces, but you have to cut them apart-8 pounds is about 16 pieces). If you did the beef plus burgers, you would do the same steak plus about 50 burgers and 30 dogs. The two things I would add are a fruit platter (preferred) or green salad and some chips and salsa as your nibbles.
Gerri 04/24/10	Ellen, I am planning a grad party next weekend. I have sent out 30 invites. Not many RSVPs as of yet. The menu is BBQ chicken and burgers, baked beans, pasta salad and possibly corn on the cob. I plan to have a veggie tray and chip & dip. Beverages: bottled water, lemonade, and sodas. I am having a problem with quantities to purchase. Please advise.
ellen 04/24/10	Estimate the numbers of guests- some invites are for 1, some for a family. Use the plan for 100 tables, using the appropriate fraction- 1/3, 1/2,etc. The tables, including the beverage planning table and the fruit tray and veggie tray pages, will cover all the items, the only calculation is the chicken/ beef mix; for this, get 1 piece of chicken plus 1 burger per person, plus about 10%, plus the fixings- see the sandwich event page for those. If you post your estimate, and number of guests, I can check it for you.
Roxie 05/02/10	I'm planning on about 300 people, doing a taco bar,with cake and peanuts, punch do I need anything else and is 40lbs of meat enough?
ellen 05/02/10	You need side dishes of rice, such as a Spanish rice, and beans- I like whole beans, done borracho style- refried is an option. The amounts per 100 for the taco toppings are on the taco bar page. 20 pounds of meat per 100 is sort of a minimum.
Donna 05/07/10	Please help me...my granddaughter is graduating from high school and they are planning a party with about 50+/- . It is at 2:30 pm so not lunch or dinner either. My menu is WINGS...3 or 4 flavors, carrots, celery & ranch dip. Chips, sodas and Lemon poppyseed cake. Question: How many wings? Is the menu too 'little'? Cost is an extreme factor here. ALSO..in the long run, should I buy the wings from a wing place or try to do them myself(not looking forward to that but as I stated..cost is a huge factor. Help...its in 2 weeks.
ellen 05/08/10	You were smart to schedule at 2:30 as they won't be starving. WINGS...3 or 4 flavors, carrots, celery & ranch dip. Chips, sodas and Lemon poppy seed cake. See the beverage planning page for help on the sodas. In cups with ice from 2 liter bottles is less expensive than cans. Watch for sales, including the chain drug stores. Around here, legs (.49-.89) and thighs (.89-$1) are much less expensive than wings. They are a good choice- see this recipe- you could do this at home: www.ifood.tv/recipe/chicken_lollipops_vibs_favorite Wing places really are expensive. If I had to buy out, I would talk to the folks at Wendy's, they do party packs of their nuggets and they are whole meat, not ground. You want about 2 legs, 4 wing pieces or 6 nuggets per person. You want to add a heavy dip such as 7 layer dip, queso, to fill in the empty legs of the teens- 1/4 cup plus 2 ounces corn chips or tortilla chips per person.
Tracie 05/14/10	I am having a graduation party at 2:00 for 50 or so. My menu is finger sandwiches (egg salad, chkn salad, cucumber), Shrimp w/cocktail sauce, veggie, fruit and cheese trays, hummus/pita chips, brushetta/costini, spinach dip/pretzel chips. Dessert, cream puffs, mini eclairs, bite size cheese cakes. Is this menu adequate for this time of day and how many sandwiches should I make?
ellen 05/14/10	The menu is quite adequate. The only place you will run into possible trouble is the shrimp; people are extremely greedy for shrimp and will eat all that is offered. To keep costs down, you can pre-serve into small plastic cups with the sauce in the middle, the shrimps, and maybe a celery stalk or two in the cup. cream puffs, mini eclairs, bite size cheese cakes- allow one of each per person veggie, fruit and cheese trays, brushetta/costini, spinach dip/pretzel chips, hummus/pita chips, finger sandwiches (egg salad, chicken salad, cucumber), these are also called tea sandwiches. See this page, there is a shopping list about half way down, get 1/4 the amounts. Pepperidge farm makes a very thin sliced bread that is great for this, get both the white and whole wheat and mix them up. www.ellenskitchen.com/bigpots/plan/recep2.html?
Vicki 05/18/10	Hi Ellen, I am thinking of making cupcakes for my daughters grad party. There is 300 actually invited. Do you know how many I should make? Also wondering if a person can make them up ahead and freeze them un-frosted? Or would the cup papers turn out nasty after freezing and then thawing them? Do you have a good frosting recipe? Thank You :)
ellen 05/18/10	Ok to freeze unfrosted. One flavor, at least 350. If you do more than one flavor, make about 200 of each of 2. Go see the best baking teacher one the web for help: www.baking911.com
Kristie 05/19/10	I am having a graduation party for my son and it will be an open house. Here is my menu: BBQ Beef Meatballs Cheese Tray Vegie Tray/Dip Fruit Tray/Dip Chip Pretzels Pasta Salad Cake We have mailed or delivered 120-125 Invitations. Should I just plan for 100 people?
Kristie 05/19/10	Should I also add Baked Beans?
Cindy 05/19/10	Hi, I am having a graduation party for approx. 75 - 100 people. This is what I am planning on buying will it be enough to feed all my guests. The party begins at 1:00 - 5:00. 10 pounds Pulled Pork 90 Rolls 10 pounds Meatballs 10 pounds Sausage & Peppers 3 pounds Chicken Riggies 3 pounds Ziti 4 pounds Potato Cassarole 2 large tomato Pies (48 pcs ea.) 6 bags Salad Mix w/ added Tomato, Olives Fruit Salad in a Watermelon Chips (5 bags) & dip (4) Full Sheet Cake Cookie Tray ( 6 kinds about 4 doz. ea) As it is getting closer I am getting worried it is not going to be enough. I am making this all myself. Thanks.
denise 05/20/10	hi ellen, i am catering a graduation party for a 100 people and the main meat is fish, i need to know how much to fix on each item, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, fruit and veggie trays, please help
ellen 05/20/10	Kristie, yes, I would add the baked beans, it cuts down on the amount of meat you need. As to estimating the turnout on 125 invitations, this depends on if it was all his teen friends, or included families where more than one person might come, very hard to advise. I would make and freeze extra beef and meatballs, thaw and use if needed. Cindy, 75 to 100 people- if mostly teens, you need more 10 pounds Pulled Pork- I would double 90 Rolls 10 pounds Meatballs 10 pounds Sausage & Peppers 3 pounds Chicken Riggies 3 pounds Ziti if this is 3 pounds dry pasta, OK 4 pounds Potato Cassarole- if this is the frozen potato casserole, at least 10 pounds 2 large tomato Pies (48 pcs ea.) 6 bags Salad Mix w/ added Tomato, Olives Fruit Salad in a Watermelon- you need at least 2 times the amount of fruit listed on the fruit tray for 25- 3 would probably not be too much Chips (5 bags) & dip (4)- at least 8 pounds chips Full Sheet Cake-OK Cookie Tray ( 6 kinds about 4 doz. ea)-OK Denise, all these items are covered in exact detail on the plan for 100 page, the fruit tray page and the veggie tray page. If you want to make an estimate and list it, I will check for you.
Vicki 05/25/10	HI Ellen---my party is this coming Sunday---we have approx 300 invited....but am sure they won't all show :) Haven't found any info on quantities for the following.......bottled water, am also serving a non alcoholic punch with out ice, And then wondered how do you figure how much condiments such as BBQ sauce or ketchup and such? I made 85 pounds of shredded beef sandwiches (which is all sitting in the freezer as I type) wondered about the quantities for the above items mentioned. Thanks! Vicki
ellen 05/25/10	Punch- allow 1 quart per 3 people you plan to serve. Bottled water- 1 per person, since you have the other drinks BBQ sauce, allow 2 gallons per 100, but you will probably only use 1 plus. Sandwich condiments- there is a table per 100 on the sandwich article. 85 pounds of shredded beef is about 200-225 people worth of sandwiches.
emily 05/26/10	i planning a graduation party coming up on sunday. i have invited 30 people but not sure how many are coming. therefore i plan on cooking carne asada i was wondering how many pounds of meat needed? and how many pounds of rice and beans? thanks
ellen 05/26/10	Nice size party. You want 8-10 pounds boneless meat (remember that it will freeze if tyou don't use it all). You want 2 1/2 pounds each dry rice and beans.
Liz 06/28/10	I am planning a Grad party expecting 125 - 150 guests. I have enough mostaciolli to feed an army but am unsure on quantities of everything else. I have looked at your formulas for parties of 100 and am not sure if I need to adjust or let the pasta be a buffer. Please advise on quantities. Thanks. Fried Chicken Submarine sandwich Baked beans Potato salad Cole Slaw Tossed Salad Fruit platter Rolls & bread & butter Possibly meatballs
ellen 06/28/10	Is this a come and go party or are all the guests going to be there for most of the event? If so, how long? And is there dessert? And what are the beverages? All these items are covered on the plan for 100 page, fruit tray page I would go low end of the estimate on the baked beans and potato salad, since you will have the pasta. Baked beans Potato salad Cole Slaw Tossed Salad Fruit platter Rolls & bread & butter If you write back answering the questions, I will try an estimate on the meats based on your reply.
Nina 06/28/10	cookout i'm having a cookout for the 4th of July and I don't know how much meat to buy - hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, steak, polish, etc.
ellen 06/29/10	Nina, you don't say how many people , what time of day, how long the party lasts, and this is way too many meat choices to make a good estimate. I plan for about 8 ounces of edible meat per person, and most of the raw boneless meats shrink 1/4 and the bone in raw meats count as 1/2 of the original weight.
Carol 07/21/10	Awards night Each year we have a "mocked" awards night for our baseball friends. I usually make the food, but the number of attendee's have varied from between 200 and 125. How do I plan on sandwiches. I have approx. 55 #'s of Italian beef in my freezer already cooked, and plan on having broccoli/cauliflower salad (75 serv.), cabbage salad (75 servs), and the watergate salad (90 servs.). Is this going to be enough food. I'm guessing about 135 people will attend. Thanks for your help
ellen 07/23/10	Carol, Is it buffet service? If so, a sandwich bar with the hot beef in a roaster (actually, you would want at least 3 lines- 3 roasters-) might be the way to go. I would add at least 1/2 more to the salads- people will take more than one. Also, Put them in front of the meats in the line. Sandwich condiments for 100 are given on the sandwich page. Add about 12 pounds of sliced cheese per 100 for the finishing touch.
Ron 08/31/10	Party for 90 people This is a great web page. I am having a get together for 90 people and her is the menu. Could you help with the amount for 90 adults Shredded turkey Hot beef Tuna salad baked beans small rolls for the meat. I am having a few other odd items such as devil eggs, relish tray and fresh veggis. I am just concerned about the food in the list. Thanks for your help
ellen 08/31/10	Allow 2 rolls per person- you want about 12 pounds of bread. Baked beans, see the plan for 100 list. The mixed meats are a little tough. I would probably do 3 gallons of tuna salad, 18-20 pounds each cooked beef and turkey.

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