Lean Mode
Light appetite + shared-menu assumptions across all items.
$146 - $366
Holiday House Party
Holiday House Party for 45
Indoor winter event with appetizer-forward pacing and dessert demand.
By FeedMyGuests Editorial Team • Reviewed: February 19, 2026
Guest Count
45
Target Budget
$700
Baseline Status
Inside target budget
Real-World Constraint
Indoor layout with limited table space
Baseline Menu From Calculator Outputs
The first menu item is treated as the anchor dish. Supporting items are calculated with shared-menu assumptions.
| Menu Item | Quantity | Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheese Tray Anchor | 90 oz | $45 - $135 | Calculator page |
| Shrimp | 189 shrimp | $76 - $151 | Calculator page |
| Deviled Egg | 63 egg halves | $19 - $47 | Calculator page |
| Cookie | 63 cookies | $32 - $95 | Calculator page |
| Brownie | 48 brownies | $36 - $96 | Calculator page |
Baseline total: $208 - $524
Budget Tradeoff Modes
Balanced Mode
Anchor item + supportive sides using baseline event appetite.
$208 - $524
Comfort Mode
Hungry-crowd assumptions with stronger buffer on the anchor item.
$261 - $658
Tradeoff Notes
- •More shrimp improves event perception but spikes spend
- •More egg-based appetizers lower cost but narrow preferences
- •Higher dessert volume boosts satisfaction but increases leftovers
What Changes at +10 Guests
Scaling from 45 to 55 guests moves this baseline plan from $208 - $524 to $253 - $640. Budget impact: +$45 to +$116.
🧀 Cheese Tray
110 oz
Estimated $55 - $165
🦐 Shrimp
231 shrimp
Estimated $92 - $185
🥚 Deviled Egg
77 egg halves
Estimated $23 - $58
🍪 Cookie
77 cookies
Estimated $39 - $116
Link targets round to the nearest supported calculator breakpoint (60 guests).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Overloading one table and creating traffic jams
- •Serving all premium items at the beginning
- •No replenishment plan for desserts
Decision Log
- •Deploy premium items in controlled increments
- •Split food across two stations to reduce congestion
- •Use dessert in two waves to stabilize pacing
Execution Timeline
- 48 hours before Prep shelf-stable dessert components
- 24 hours before Assemble cold appetizers
- Service start Launch first-wave premium tray
- Service midpoint Refresh desserts and premium items
Planning Intent Cluster Links
Move between this scenario, calculators, and guides in two to three clicks.
Editorial Process and Sources
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Publisher: FeedMyGuests Editorial Team · Contact: contact@feedmyguests.com
This scenario is authored and reviewed by FeedMyGuests Editorial Team using calculator outputs for 45 guests, then adjusted with practical constraints, execution tradeoffs, and post-event risk checks.
Reference Sources
- USDA FoodData Central Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- FDA Safe Food Handling Retrieved: February 19, 2026
- USDA FSIS Safe Temperature Chart Retrieved: February 19, 2026
Editorial Change Log
Auto-generated from repository commits. Latest sync: 2026-02-19.
- 2026-02-19 • Improve trust signals, scenarios, and editorial content workflows (e90d416)
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