How much appetizers do I need for 50 guests?

You need 20 platters of appetizers for 50 guests at a new year's eve party. This provides 504 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much appetizers per person for a new year's eve party?

Plan for 10.1 servings of appetizers per person at a new year's eve party. This assumes appetizers is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 20 platters of appetizers?

20 platters of appetizers provides 504 total servings, enough for 50 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 20 platters of appetizers enough for 50 people?

Yes, 20 platters is the recommended amount for 50 guests at a new year's eve party. This includes a 15% buffer (3 extra platters) so you won't run short.

Should I order more appetizers than calculated?

Our calculation of 20 platters already includes a 15% buffer. However, if your guests are big eaters or appetizers is the only food, consider adding 10-20% more. It's always better to have leftovers!

What if I'm serving appetizers with other foods?

If serving appetizers as part of a buffet spread with other options, reduce this amount by 30-40%. Instead of 20 platters, you'd need approximately 13 platters.

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How Much Appetizers for a 50 Guests New Year's Eve Party?

New Year's Eve Party • 50 guests

Your Total

platters

of appetizers

504

total servings

10.1

per person

15%

buffer

Note: This assumes appetizers is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our New Year's Eve Party Planner for balanced quantities.

Switch food: 🍕 Pizza 🍗 Wings 🌮 Tacos 🍔 Sliders 🍢 Apps 🍖 BBQ

📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

50 guests × 90% eating rate

At medium events, about 90% of guests will eat full servings. 45 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

45 eaters × 8 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 360 base servings

Apply new year's eve party modifier

× 1.4 (+40% for appetizers)

New Year's Eve Partys typically consume 40% more appetizers than average. 504 pieces needed

Convert to platters

504 pieces ÷ 30 per platter

Each platter provides 30 pieces. 16.8 platters (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

16.8 × 1.15 = 19.3, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 20 platters

✓

Caterer-Tested Formula

Our calculations are based on real event data from professional caterers and party planners.

📊 Quick Reference: Appetizers by Guest Count

Guests	Appetizers Needed	Total Servings
25 guests	10 platters	252 servings
50 guests (you)	20 platters	504 servings
75 guests	30 platters	756 servings
100 guests	40 platters	1008 servings
150 guests	60 platters	1512 servings
200 guests	80 platters	2016 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for new year's eve party as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Appetizers

20 platters

Serving platters — For presentation

1 platters Buy →

Cocktail napkins

200 napkins Buy →

Toothpicks — For skewered items

1 box

Small plates

75 plates Buy →

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💡 Pro Tips for New Year's Eve Party Food

✓ Elegant appetizers are expected - this is a dressy event.
✓ Late-night food is essential - sliders or pizza around 12:30am.
✓ Heavy apps early, lighter as midnight approaches.
✓ Sweet treats for after midnight - champagne and dessert pair perfectly.
✓ Breakfast items for really late parties - mini quiches, bacon strips.

Buying Guide

NYE is about elegant appetizers and champagne. Plan 8-10 appetizer pieces per person for the main event, plus late-night snacks for after midnight. End with something sweet.