How much food?

[oohthatrisottowasnice]

I'm having a party at home for c50 people and have a caterer lined up to make a chicken curry/rice/naan and a scouse/cabbage/bread, plus a veggie curry. How much over the 60 should I go and how should I split the quantities between the dishes. The veggie curry can be smaller as catering for only a few known veggies. Thank you!

What has the caterer suggested?

Is it dinner or lunch? Is there a starter / dessert too?

I wouldn't offer the scouse I would stick with two curries and make it clear that the vegetarians get the vegetarian option. You run the risk of the non veggies deciding they want the vegetable as a side or instead of the chicken. I'd go 70/30 chicken and vegetarian.

With the scouse you are offering a completely different option and are going to get people choosing bits of all three.

Forget the Scouse, no-one's going to want that with curry on offer.

Don't forget that you don't have to be vegetarian to want a selection of curries so perhaps make equal quantities of 3 curries, 2 vegetarian and one chicken.

Not everyone likes curry though so why not scouse?
How old are the guests op? 89 year old aunt Esther might like curry but 19 year old Elsa might not or vice versa.
What if there are veggies who don’t eat curry?
Is it afternoon or evening?

I am not veggie but prefer vegetarian options as I don’t like some meat. May need more vegetarian curry in case others think it looks nicer

The food will be ready at 8ish, most guests are in 40 - 60 age group but most up for a lively party. There will be desserts and a cheese board later. I did intend to cook up a load of bacon and heat up at around midnight with bread rolls for those with staying power but that might be overkill.

I take the point re scouse. But scouse is a family favourite of many of those coming - it's our local dish and everyone likes to see if it's better than the one their nan made! I may limit the veggie curry keeping it to one side for only the veggies (will be gf too so will make sure I have gf naan for that first guest)

I haven't asked the caterer yet, but I'm sure he'll have good advice too. His initial advice was to offer options, not just curry.

As curry, especially veggie curry seems a popular choice here I might get him to cater for 60 (I think there'll be a few late passers by) and spilt into thirds - veg curry/chicken curry/scouse.

I think - I terribly indecisive!

Don’t limit the veggie curry. Everyone will want it. People will find it. This has happened at every buffet I have ever been at since going veggie.

I am a veggie and I can guarantee you that many of the meat eaters will eat veggie curry, even if they are having it as a side dish. Make sure you have plenty, because it always runs out.