How much appetizers do I need for 200 guests?

You need 59 platters of appetizers for 200 guests at a thanksgiving. This provides 1536 total servings with a 15% buffer.

How much appetizers per person for a thanksgiving?

Plan for 7.7 servings of appetizers per person at a thanksgiving. This assumes appetizers is your main food; reduce by 30-40% if serving multiple dishes.

How many servings in 59 platters of appetizers?

59 platters of appetizers provides 1536 total servings, enough for 200 guests with a 15% buffer to ensure you don't run out.

Is 59 platters of appetizers enough for 200 people?

Yes, 59 platters is the recommended amount for 200 guests at a thanksgiving. This includes a 15% buffer (7 extra platters) so you won't run short.

Should I order more appetizers than calculated?

Our calculation of 59 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 59 platters, you'd need approximately 39 platters.

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How Much Appetizers for a 200 Guests Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving • 200 guests

Your Total

platters

of appetizers

1536

total servings

7.7

per person

15%

buffer

Note: This assumes appetizers is your main food. Planning a buffet spread? See our Thanksgiving Party Planner for balanced quantities.

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📐 Why This Amount Works

Estimate actual eaters

200 guests × 80% eating rate

At xlarge events, about 80% of guests will eat full servings. 160 eaters

Calculate servings (as main dish)

160 eaters × 8 pieces per person

As a main dish, plan for 8 pieces per person. 1280 base servings

Apply thanksgiving modifier

× 1.2 (+20% for appetizers)

Thanksgivings typically consume 20% more appetizers than average. 1536 pieces needed

Convert to platters

1536 pieces ÷ 30 per platter

Each platter provides 30 pieces. 51.2 platters (raw)

Add 15% buffer & round up

51.2 × 1.15 = 58.9, rounded up

Always round up and add a buffer. Running out of food is worse than having leftovers! 59 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	8 platters	192 servings
50 guests	15 platters	384 servings
75 guests	23 platters	576 servings
100 guests	30 platters	768 servings
150 guests	45 platters	1152 servings
200 guests (you)	59 platters	1536 servings

* All calculations include a 15% buffer. Amounts for thanksgiving as main dish.

🛒 Your Complete Shopping List

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Appetizers

59 platters

Serving platters — For presentation

2 platters Buy →

Cocktail napkins

800 napkins Buy →

Toothpicks — For skewered items

1 box

Small plates

300 plates Buy →

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💡 Pro Tips for Thanksgiving Food

✓ Turkey is 1-1.5 lbs per person (includes bone weight).
✓ Appetizers before dinner should be light - 3-4 pieces per person max.
✓ Plan 3-4 side dishes total - not 3-4 per person.
✓ Dessert is non-negotiable - 1 pie per 6-8 guests.
✓ Leftovers are part of Thanksgiving - plan for turkey sandwiches.

Buying Guide

Thanksgiving is about the traditional spread: turkey (1-1.5 lbs per person), stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and pie. Light appetizers before dinner only. Plan for leftovers!