The Party Food Math

Remember the last time you hosted a party? If you’re like most people, you visited the deli counter, eyed two tray sizes and wondered which one had enough food to feed all your guests. Doing the math can feel kind of tricky, but Strack & Van Til makes it simple.

A small platter serves roughly 8 to 12, a medium-size tray feeds 15 to 20 and a large tray is enough for 25 to 30 people. From there, portion rules and serving styles help you size the rest of the menu. This guide walks through the numbers, from appetizers to desserts, with plans outlined for parties of 10, 25 and 50 guests. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how many trays to order and how your local Northwest Indiana Strack & Van Til Food Market can help.

What size party tray should you choose? Depends on the number of guests.

Serving counts vary by tray size and type. As a general rule, you can rely on the following:

• Small trays feed 8 to 12
• Medium trays feed 15 to 20
• Large trays feed 25 to 30

However, in the Strack & Van Til Deli Department, deli trays are sized by inches: 14‑inch trays will serve 10 to 20 guests, 16‑inch trays can feed 20 to 30 people and 18‑inch are what you need for 30 to 40 invitees. Platters from the Strack & Van Til Bakery run smaller, with 12‑inch trays serving 6 to 10 guests and 16‑inch trays serving 12 to 18 people.

Based on the type of food on the platter, the math shifts slightly:

• Meat and cheese – Figure 2 to 3 ounces per person
• Sandwich and slider trays – Have 1.5 to 2 pieces per person
• Veggie and fruit trays – You’ll need 4 to 6 pieces per person

“Remember that appetizer trays served before the main entree can stretch the meal further,” explains Deli Director Kristin Snow. “For example, a large tray that feeds 25 to 30 as the main spread can cover closer to 50 when paired with appetizers and sides.”

How much food should you have on hand per person?

Portion rules anchor the rest of the planning. A general guideline is about one pound of food per adult across a full event. Breaking it down:

• Appetizers – You’ll want to have 4 to 6 pieces per person per hour before a meal, 10 to 12 items when the appetizers are the meal
• Main dishes – Be sure to serve 6 to 8 ounces of protein per person
• Side dishes – You’ll need 4 to 6 ounces per side, with two to three sides per person
• Salads – The usual portion is about 1 cup per person
• Desserts – At least 1 to 2 pieces per person, and less when cake is served

Here’s a quick planner:

| Course | Light grazing | Full meal | Notes |
| Appetizers | 4–6 pieces | 10–12 pieces | Per hour before the main meal |
| Mains | 6 ounces protein | 8 ounces protein | Chicken, beef or fish |
| Sides | 4 ounces | 6 ounces| Two to three side dishes |
| Salads | 1 cup | 1.5 cups | Adjust for greens |
| Desserts | 1 piece | 2 pieces | Less if cake is served |
| Beverages | 1 drink/hour | 2 drinks/hour | Offer a mix of options |

Buffet style changes the math

Serving style matters. Buffet spreads run heavier than plated meals because guests tend to serve themselves generously. Expect to provide 10 to 20 percent more food for buffets. Variety also changes the math: More menu options mean smaller portions of each dish, not more food overall. A party that features sandwiches, fruit, veggies and desserts will see guests take a little of each, rather than full servings of every tray.

Time also plays a role: The longer the party, the more your guests will eat. Add approximately one appetizer serving per person per extra hour of time. A two‑hour open house may need fewer trays than a four‑hour graduation party. Knowing your format will help you size trays correctly. If you need guidance, ask in your local Strack & Van Til Deli Department or Bakery.

Worked plans: Food for 10, 25 and 50 guests

Concrete plans can make the math more realistic. Here are three sample menus built from items available at your local Strack & Van Til Deli and Bakery:

10 guests

• One 14‑inch meat and cheese tray
• One 12‑inch bakery cookie platter
• One small fruit tray
• Beverage service: Assorted sodas and water

25 guests

• One 16‑inch sandwich tray
• One 16‑inch veggie tray
• One 18‑inch fruit and dip tray
• Two bakery platters (cookies and brownies)
• Beverage service: Iced tea and lemonade

50 guests

• Two 18‑inch meat and cheese trays
• Two 18‑inch fruit trays
• One 16‑inch veggie tray
• Three bakery platters (cookies, brownies and cream puffs)
• Beverage service: Soda, water and coffee

These mixes balance variety without overbuying.

Adjusting for the crowd

Keep in mind that not all guests eat the same amount. Kids eat about half an adult portion, while teenagers often eat more than one serving. The time of day matters, too: Guests eat far less at a 2 p.m. gathering than at 6 p.m. dinner‑hour party. Know your crowd. Hungry guests after a game or ceremony eat more than office grazers at a retirement reception. Decide whether you want planned leftovers or minimal waste, and round your tray counts accordingly.

Don’t forget the drinks and desserts!

Drinks and desserts are the categories most often misjudged. For non‑alcoholic beverages, plan on 1 to 2 drinks per person for the first hour, then one per hour after. For adult parties, wine and beer math can be added briefly: One bottle of wine per two guests, one six‑pack of beer per three. Dessert trays follow the same portion rules: 1 to 2 pieces per person, less when cake is served.

At Strack & Van Til, bakery platters include mini cream puffs, eclairs, cannoli, lemon bars, pie tarts, carrot cake bars, cookies and more. “Our everyday party platter options include pumpkin bars, brownie bars, homestyle cookies and tea cakes,” says Bakery Director Stephanie Flynn. “These trays add a sweet finish to any celebration, and you can find them—freshly made—at the Strack & Van Til Bakery near you.”

Sizing your order at your local Strack & Van Til Store

Here’s how many guests Strack & Van Til trays will feed:

• 14‑inch trays: serve 10 to 20
• 16‑inch trays: serve 20 to 30
• 18‑inch trays: serve 30 to 40
• Bakery platters: 12‑inch serves 6 to 10, 16‑inch serves 12 to 18

Ordering is simple: Place your order in store at any deli or bakery counter, by phone or online at strackandvantil.com/catering. Pickup and delivery are available across Lake and Porter Counties, including Hammond, Highland, Munster, Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, Valparaiso and Hobart. Custom sizing is available too—the deli can build trays to accommodate crowd sizes larger than the standard ones.

Do the math once, then order

The rules are straightforward: One pound of food per adult, portion counts by course and tray sizes that match your guest list. Do the math once, then let your local Strack & Van Til Deli and Bakery handle the rest. Order in store or online at strackandvantil.com/catering. With trays sized appropriately for your crowd, you’ll spend less time guessing and more time enjoying the party.

Frequently asked questions about party trays

How many appetizers per person for a party?

A good rule of thumb is 4 to 6 appetizer pieces per person per hour before a meal. If appetizers are the main event, plan for 10 to 12 pieces per person. For example, a 25‑guest open house with appetizers only would need about 250 to 300 pieces. The Strack & Van Til Deli Department’s sandwich and slider trays make this easy since each tray is portioned by piece count.

How much food do I need for 25 guests?

For 25 guests, one medium sandwich tray, one medium veggie tray, one large fruit tray and two bakery platters will usually cover the spread. Add beverages such as iced tea and lemonade. This mix balances protein, produce and sweets without overbuying. At Strack & Van Til, a 16‑inch deli tray serves 20 to 30, so one tray per category is often enough.

Is it cheaper to make your own party platters?

DIY works for small gatherings, but once the guest list expands to 15 to 20 people, prepared trays usually win. Strack & Van Til trays typically cost between $2 and $6 per person depending on type, while bakery platters range from $15 to $50. Making your own requires buying full packages of ingredients, serving platters and lids, plus hours of prep. For larger groups, ordering trays saves time and money.

How far ahead should I order trays?

The deli requires 24 hours’ notice for trays, while bakery platters need 48 hours. During graduation season, Thanksgiving and Christmas, order several days to a week ahead since demand is high. Strack & Van Til offers ordering in store, by phone or online at strackandvantil.com/catering, with pickup and delivery across Lake and Porter Counties.

What tray sizes does Strack & Van Til offer?

Deli trays come in 14‑inch (10 to 20 servings), 16‑inch (20 to 30 servings) and 18‑inch (30 to 40 servings). Bakery platters are available in 12‑inch (6 to 10 servings) and 16‑inch (12 to 18 servings). These sizes cover everything from small family gatherings to large office events.

Can I customize a tray order?

Yes. Customers can speak directly with the deli or bakery team to adjust tray contents. For special requests, call 219-961-9119. Your local Strack & Van Til staff is experienced in tailoring trays to fit dietary needs, event themes or specific guest counts.

How do I keep trays fresh before serving?

Refrigerate trays until 30 minutes before serving and keep lids on until guests arrive. Perishable food should be at room temperature for no more than two hours. Use cooler bags for long drives and transport trays flat on a seat‑belted surface or trunk floor. Sandwiches and wraps stay fresh for one to two days, while fruit and veggie trays are best eaten the same day. Bakery cookies and brownies last longer, but cream‑filled pastries should be enjoyed quickly.

Where can I order Strack & Van Til trays?

Orders can be placed in store at any deli or bakery counter, by phone or online at strackandvantil.com/catering. Pickup and delivery are available across Lake and Porter Counties, including Hammond, Highland, Munster, Crown Point, St. John, Schererville, Valparaiso and Hobart. With multiple locations, it’s easy to order trays sized to your guest list, and you can always depend on your local Strack & Van Til for the best deli trays and bakery platters in Northwest Indiana.

By Karyn G. Zafran