Cook Talk

wedding reception
Tamie
08/21/12 		trying to figure the amount of food needed for my daughters wedding in October
the menu is roasted pig, redskin mashed potatoes and gravy, Meatballs with gravy, baked bean and corn, toss salad, buns for the pork, coffee, Ice tea and lemonade and of course there will a limited bar of some liquors and keg beer. figuring on about 250 to 300 people.
ellen
08/23/12 		Figuring on about 250 to 300 people? You need to firm up your numbers. I will give you approximates per person where I have them.

roasted pig, 1 pound whole head off per person
redskin mashed potatoes, 40 pounds per 100
gravy, 1/4 cup per person
Meatballs with gravy, 1 pound per 5
baked bean, 3 gallons per 100
corn, 24 pounds per 100
toss salad, see plan for 100 page, don't forget dressings
buns for the pork, 10-12 pounds per 100

see beverage planning page for helpful notes on:
coffee, use dinner level calculation
Ice tea, 8 gallons per 100, at least 1/4 unsweet
lemonade, 6 gallons per 100

a limited bar of some liquors and keg beer. See beverage planning page.

If this saves you time, trouble or money, consider a donation to support the site.

Tamie
08/25/12 		trying to decide totally on the potatoe dish. thought about doing the cheesy potatoes. how much would we need for this party. or other ways to make redskins.
ellen
08/25/12 		Cheesy potatoes are easiest made with frozen- see trhe recipe at the bottom of the brunch page. Scalloped potatoes are another excellent choice- make with russets, not reds, for best creamy texture. Either of these would serve as a stand-in entree for any vegetarians or non-pork eaters, very good idea.
Kim
09/17/12 		Outdoor wedding reception for 121 people. We are catering it. The menu is as follows:

Soup
Salad
Barbcue chicken
mashed potato casserole
Mac & Cheese

Need help with amounts to prepare, thank you so much!

ellen
09/17/12 		The menu is not adequate for the occasion. You need an appetizer table and probably a vegetable, as well as bread.

Soup-8 gallons
Salad- see plan for 100 table, use 1 1/4
Barbecue chicken- see plan for 100 table, use 1 1/4. What you need depends on whether it is whole chickens, quarters or pieces, this is discussed in the table.
mashed potato casserole- 40 pounds raw potatoes
Mac & Cheese- 8 pounds dry pasta

Bread about 14 pounds, 4 pounds of butter

See the beverage table for help on the beverages.

From an upcoming article:
Before the Buffet; Why You May Need an Appetizer Table
A self-catered buffet is a real challenge to the organizers, and things don't always come together as smoothly as hoped. By planning and setting up an appetizer area or "nibble table" which is ready when the guests begin to arrive, the cooks and servers have time to complete the arrangement of the dinner buffet. This is especially critical if there are children among the guests, or there is a wait before dinner, as at a wedding reception.

This does not have to be complicated. Three items, including a fruit tray, a cheese tray and an attractive dip or spread, plus a punch, or two if one is alcoholic, are sufficient.

One appetizer service area is needed for each 100 guests.

Kim
09/18/12 		Thank you for your advice. They didn't ask for an appetizer table. They are on a budget. But thank you for your advice.
Re:
Name:
E-Mail: (optional)
 
Message
Body