Holiday Party Appetizer Calculator
Festive appetizers for holiday entertaining. Meatballs, shrimp cocktail, and cheese are classic crowd-pleasers that work for any winter celebration.
Perfect for: Holiday PartyWhat's Included
Select Your Party Size
Quick Reference Chart
| Guests | 🧆 Meatballs | 🦐 Shrimp | 🧀 Cheese Tray Servings | 🥕 Veggie Tray Servings | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 people | 18 meatballs | 21 shrimp | 7 oz | 2 cups | $23-$50 |
| 8 people | 28 meatballs | 34 shrimp | 12 oz | 3 cups | $36-$79 |
| 10 people | 35 meatballs | 42 shrimp | 14 oz | 4 cups | $45-$98 |
| 15 people | 53 meatballs | 63 shrimp | 21 oz | 6 cups | $68-$147 |
| 20 people | 70 meatballs | 84 shrimp | 28 oz | 7 cups | $88-$193 |
| 25 people | 88 meatballs | 105 shrimp | 35 oz | 9 cups | $111-$243 |
| 30 people | 105 meatballs | 126 shrimp | 42 oz | 11 cups | $132-$291 |
| 40 people | 140 meatballs | 168 shrimp | 56 oz | 14 cups | $176-$386 |
| 50 people | 175 meatballs | 210 shrimp | 70 oz | 18 cups | $221-$484 |
| 75 people | 263 meatballs | 315 shrimp | 105 oz | 27 cups | $331-$727 |
| 100 people | 350 meatballs | 420 shrimp | 140 oz | 35 cups | $439-$966 |
Click any row to see detailed breakdown and tips
Holiday Party Appetizers Tips
- Keep meatballs warm in a slow cooker
- Keep shrimp on ice throughout the party
- Take cheese out 30 minutes before guests arrive
- Arrange trays attractively with garnishes
- Label all foods for guests with allergies
Frequently Asked Questions
How many appetizers per person for a holiday party?
For an appetizer-only holiday party (2-3 hours), plan 8-10 pieces per person. If dinner follows, reduce to 5-6 pieces.
What's the most popular holiday party appetizer?
Meatballs in sauce are the #1 holiday party food - they're easy, crowd-pleasing, and can sit in a slow cooker all night.