How much food do I need for a 50 person Thanksgiving?

For a 50-person Thanksgiving, plan for 13 platters of appetizers.

How much beer and drinks for a Thanksgiving?

For a 50-person Thanksgiving, plan for 64 bottles of wine, 9 cases of beer, 13 bottles of spirits.

The most popular foods for a Thanksgiving are appetizers. These are crowd favorites that are easy to serve and enjoy.

Grateful guests are well-fed guests.

Guests

The spread

Food amounts assume a buffet spread with several dishes; drinks split one shared bar.

For 50 guests

Open any line for the full breakdown and shopping list.

All calculators

Planning notes

Turkey is sized by weight per guest, and a bone-in bird weighs more than it actually serves.
Appetizers before dinner should stay light, since the meal is the point.
Count side dishes for the table as a whole, not for each guest.
Dessert is non-negotiable, 1 pie per 6-8 guests.
Wine consumption peaks during dinner, have bottles ready at the table.
Football watching = beer in the afternoon before dinner.
Leftovers are part of Thanksgiving, plan for turkey sandwiches.

Essentials

Links open Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Occasional planning notes, nothing more.

No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Other occasions