HELP! Turkey Day portions

[AndreaU]

I'm hosting dinner for 20 people (13 adults & 7 children ages 5-12) and would like to know how much of everything to make! How many potatoes for mashed potatoes? How many green beans? Baby carrots? How much stuffing to make?

99% of the time I cook for 2 people. The most I've ever entertained for was 5.

I don't want to go crazy and buy too much because I know there will be so much to choose from that most will just eat a little of everything. On the other hand, imagine the horror of not having enough food. :eek:

TIA for any suggestions!

[msbeehavn]

Found this on the FoodTV website, thought it might help you at least with the turkey portions.....:)



http://foodtv.com/holidays/thanksgivingturkeylator/0,5540,,00.html

[KellyD]

I know some of my entertaining/catering cookbooks have charts in them similar to what you're looking for, but I think with the way recipes vary, it's tough to go by those standards. But I do have a couple of tips that I use - and I'm sure you'll get lots of other advice!

1) For mashed potatoes, I usually estimate 1.5 - 2 potatoes per adult (people seem to eat more mashed potatoes than they realize - plus you need lots for the gravy!) One per child.
2) We always seem to consume less stuffing and side vegetables than I anticipate. If you have recipes that serve 8, I would simply double them.
3) I always try to err on the side of having too much food than not enough. If all else fails, and you have tons of left overs, make sure you have some of the disposable Ziploc/Gladware containers on hand and send everyone home with some yummy leftovers.
4) Most important, don't stress over it all! Just enjoy!!