Hosting an intimate event where every dish truly matters? Small party catering in Atlanta is the perfect solution! If you’re planning for ten to twenty-five guests, you know that figuring out just the right amount of food can feel a little tricky. You want to make sure everyone’s satisfied without overspending or ending up with too many leftovers. This guide simplifies everything, helping you order smarter so you can enjoy stress-free catering for your small group.
Take the Stress Out of Small Event Food Prep
Planning food for a small group can create more stress than feeding a huge crowd. You don’t want to run short, but who wants trays of untouched leftovers? That’s exactly why portion control is important in small party catering, whether you’re in Atlanta or anywhere else. The secret is knowing what your guests will actually eat and perfectly matching that with your menu and style.
Let’s break it down together so you can host with confidence and without second-guessing every plate.
What Kind of Party Event Are You Hosting?
Start by thinking about the type of event you’re hosting. Is it a cozy sit-down dinner, a laid-back backyard gathering, or a more casual cocktail-style event with lots of finger foods? The format will affect how much food people expect and how much they’ll actually enjoy.
For instance, guests at a formal dinner will eat more than those mingling at a short open house. And here’s a tip: if you’re serving alcohol, food consumption usually increases. Knowing your event’s format helps you determine portion sizes for each course.
How to Estimate Main Course Portions for Your Small Crew
A great rule of thumb for catering for a small group is to plan for 5 to 6 ounces of protein per guest. This could be anything from delicious chicken and beef to fresh seafood. If you’re serving grilled chicken breast, one piece per person is usually enough. For meats with bones included in the weight of each portion, it’s wise to increase the serving size slightly.
If you’re serving vegetarian mains like pasta or hearty grains, aim for about 1.5 cups per person. And if you’re feeling generous and offering more than one main course, you can slightly reduce each portion since guests might want to try both.
Side Dishes: Finding That Perfect Balance
Side dishes are where hosts tend to go overboard. For a party of 10 to 25 people, 2 to 3 sides are a good balance. Think about including a starch like fluffy potatoes or aromatic rice, a fresh vegetable like vibrant green beans or savory roasted carrots, and maybe a crisp salad for a pop of color and freshness.
Each side dish should serve about 4 to 5 ounces per person, which is roughly half a cup. Just multiply that by your guest count, and you’ll get the total amount needed. For 20 guests, one generous serving dish holding about 10 cups of a side like mac and cheese should be plenty.
Appetizers: Setting the Tone (and Satisfying Early Hunger)
Appetizers can help set the mood for a successful event, especially if your guests arrive hungry or if you’re serving drinks. For a two-hour event, plan on 4 to 6 appetizers per person. If appetizers are the star and the only food being served, bump that up to 10 to 12 pieces. Popular choices like mini sliders, flavorful skewers, delicate mini quiches, or a beautiful charcuterie board are popular for easy grazing. When it comes to small party catering in Atlanta, these finger foods are the perfect options for guests to enjoy while standing and mingling.
Don’t Forget Dessert: Small Bites Provide the Perfect Finish
Desserts are the sweet ending to any meal, but people usually eat less than you might expect. Plan for one standard dessert item per guest or two mini desserts if you’re offering a variety. A tray of delicious cookies, dainty mini tarts, or charming cupcakes is usually more than enough for most events. For a group of 25, about 30 to 35 mini pieces will be plenty. That leaves room for seconds without leaving entire trays untouched.
Drinks Matter Too: Stay Hydrated and Keep the Cheers Flowing
Even if your event is on the shorter side, don’t overlook the drinks. For each adult, plan about two beverages for the first hour and then one each hour after that. For non-alcoholic options, a good estimate is one bottle of water and one cup of another option, like refreshing tea or bubbly soda, per person.
If you’re serving alcohol, talk with your caterer about bar service options. Wine and beer are often the easiest choices for small groups. And a simple, pre-mixed cocktail or mocktail can keep the drink service smooth and easy.
Why a Small-Party Caterer Makes Life So Much Easier
Sure, you could cook everything yourself, but that often turns your event into work and pressure for a host. A professional caterer knows how to portion, time, and present food in a way that feels utterly effortless for you. This is especially true for those events with 10 to 25 guests, where quality and a personalized touch really shine.
Choosing professional catering for a small group means you can focus on your guests. The food and drinks are prepped, delivered, and served with your space and schedule in mind. Plus clean-up is less of a burden, which is a huge win if you’re hosting at home.
Smart Tips to Avoid Over-Ordering (While Still Keeping Everyone Full!)
Please don’t feel pressured to over-order “just in case”! People rarely eat more than one serving of each item unless it’s a long event. Stick to balanced portions and trust your well-planned menu. It’s truly better to serve just enough of everything and maybe run out of a few favorites than to have to toss out trays of food later.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much food should I order for 15 people? You’ll want to plan for roughly 5 to 6 ounces of protein, two to three side dishes per guest, and one individual dessert.
- What kind of menu works best for small party catering? The best menu is one appetizer, two sides, one main dish, and a one dessert. Depending on your event’s style, you can serve this menu plated or buffet-style.
- Can I customize the menu for dietary needs? Absolutely! Small party catering often includes thoughtful options like gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-safe choices, all tailored to meet your guests’ specific food preferences and needs.
- Is it more expensive to cook or hire a caterer for 20 guests? While cooking at home might seem less expensive, hiring a caterer usually saves you time, avoids stress, and can actually be more cost-effective when you consider not only the food but the prep, serving and cleanup!
- What’s the ideal serving size per person? Aim for each guest to receive about 5 to 6 ounces of protein, two 4-ounce sides, one dessert, and two drink servings.
Let Bites by Eydt Handle the Food While You Enjoy the Party
Planning delicious food for a smaller gathering doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With small party catering in Atlanta, you get food that perfectly matches your guest list – never too much, never too little. From smart portioning to personalized menu options, everything comes together seamlessly, without all the usual planning stress.
And that’s exactly where Bites by Eydt shines. We truly know how to make intimate events feel special. Whether it’s a cherished family birthday, a relaxed backyard get-together, or a casual office lunch, our team brings exceptional quality, incredible flavor, and thoughtful service right to your table.
You won’t need to calculate servings or juggle prep work. Just tell us what kind of party you’re hosting, and then relax and enjoy fresh, well-balanced meals specifically designed for groups of 10 to 25. Great food, clear portions, and absolutely zero hassle! Ready to let the pros do the planning while you take all the credit?
