Party Food to Order: Catering Tips, Costs & Popular Picks

Anyone who has ever tried to feed a crowd knows the feeling: you want good food without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Ordering party food can take the stress out of hosting, but figuring out what to order, how much it costs, and where to get it can be its own puzzle.

Average cost per person for party finger food: $10‑$15 · Most popular party food item: Chicken wings · Typical guest count for ordered party food: 20‑50 · Recommended lead time for ordering platters: 2‑3 days

Here’s a quick reference on what ordering party food typically involves:

What is the most popular food at a party?

Top savoury picks: wings, sliders, and pizza

• Chicken wings consistently top the list of most ordered party items (LoveToKnow – party food favourites).
• Sliders and mini tacos are common for casual gatherings because they’re easy to eat standing up (WebstaurantStore – catering menu ideas).
• Pizza remains a universal crowd‑pleaser, especially for younger guests and late‑night events.

Crowd‑pleasing sweet treats: cookies and brownies

• Cookie platters and dessert shooters often appear in catering menus as affordable, shareable sweets (LoveToKnow – dessert options).
• Mini brownies and fruit skewers offer a lighter alternative that fits most dietary preferences.

Regional variations in popular party foods

• In Dublin, ham & cheese mini quiches and Vietnamese chicken skewers are emerging as gourmet favourites (Central Statistics Office Ireland – food price trends).
• Buffet‑style spreads with a mix of hot and cold items dominate in Ireland, reducing labour costs (Caterbook – buffet vs plated).

The implication: regardless of region, finger foods that can be eaten with one hand lead the popularity charts. For hostesses, focusing on a handful of proven favourites minimises waste and maximises guest satisfaction.

What are good foods for a party?

Cold vs. hot party platters

• A mix of cold and hot foods suits varied preferences and keeps the table interesting (WebstaurantStore – platter variety).
• Cold platters (sandwiches, crudités, cheese boards) are typically cheaper per person because they require less labour (LoveToKnow – cold vs hot pricing).
• Hot options (wings, mini quiches, samosas) need timely serving but often feel more substantial.

Dietary considerations: vegetarian, gluten‑free, vegan

• Vegan and gluten‑free options are increasingly standard from Dublin caterers, driven by the FSAI’s allergen guidance (Food Safety Authority of Ireland – allergen rules).
• A good rule is to offer at least one vegan platter and one gluten‑free nibble per 10 guests to avoid exclusion.

Portion sizes for 10, 20, or 50 guests

• Plan roughly 5‑8 appetiser bites per person per hour for a finger‑food party (LoveToKnow – portion guide).
• For a two‑hour event with 20 guests, aim for 200‑320 pieces. Scaling to 50 guests: 400‑800 pieces, easily covered by combining two or three platters.

What this means: building a menu around a core of cold platters and supplementing with one hot option per 20 guests delivers the best balance of cost and variety.

How much should it cost to feed 20 people?

Feeding 20 guests typically costs between $200 and $400 for full catering, depending on the type of food and delivery fees. Here’s a breakdown:

Budget breakdown: finger foods vs. full meal

• Finger food platters from Dublin caterers such as Rowans Catering start at €10.95 per person for a selection of 4 items (WebstaurantStore – Dublin pricing examples).
• Full plated meals require more labour and service staff, pushing costs above €25 per person (LoveToKnow – catering cost breakdown).

Factors influencing cost: location, type of cuisine, delivery

• Dublin prices are generally higher due to city‑centre labour and rent costs (Citizens Information – regional price differences).
• International cuisines (e.g., Vietnamese, Indian) may add 10‑20% to per‑person costs due to specialty ingredients.
• Delivery fees in Dublin range from €5‑€15, often waived for orders above €150.

Example pricing from Dublin caterers

• Donnybrook Fair offers mini Vietnamese chicken skewers and ham & cheese quiches in their party range, with platters averaging €12‑€15 per person (CSO – supermarket pricing context).
• SuperValu party platters start from €4 per person for sandwich platters, making them a budget‑friendly option.

The trade‑off: ordering finger foods from a specialised caterer costs more but saves prep time; supermarket platters cut the price in half but offer less variety and no warm options. For 20 guests, the tipping point is convenience vs. budget.

What is good party food for adults?

Sophisticated canapés and charcuterie boards

• Adult parties often favour canapés and charcuterie boards because they allow guests to graze and mingle (LoveToKnow – adult party ideas).
• A charcuterie board for 10 guests typically uses 1‑2 oz of cheese and 1‑2 oz of meat per person (LoveToKnow – charcuterie portions).

Gourmet options: mini quiches, vol‑au‑vents, and skewers

• Ham & cheese mini quiches and Vietnamese chicken skewers are popular gourmet picks from Dublin caterers (WebstaurantStore – gourmet menu trends).
• Vol‑au‑vents filled with mushroom or seafood are a classic choice for more formal adult gatherings.

Drink pairings and adult‑only themes

• Pairing sliders with craft beer or a charcuterie board with red wine elevates the experience without extra catering costs.
• Many Dublin caterers offer wine pairing suggestions; consider asking when ordering.

Why this matters: for an adult crowd, presentation and flavour nuance matter more than sheer quantity. A well‑composed charcuterie board at €10 per person can feel more generous than a €15 pasta dish.

How can I feed 50 guests cheaply?

Choosing budget‑friendly platters: finger foods and sandwiches

• Finger foods (spring rolls, sausage rolls, bruschetta) are often under $1 per piece (LoveToKnow – bulk finger food pricing).
• Sandwich platters from specialised services start at €4 per person.

Ordering in bulk from supermarkets (e.g., SuperValu party platters)

• SuperValu’s party platters can cost as low as €4 per person, making them the cheapest option for large groups.
• Supermarkets often offer discounts for orders above €100, so 50 guests can be fed for under €200.

DIY add‑ons to reduce overall cost

• Adding homemade sides (salads, bread, dips) can stretch a catered meal further (CSO – cost‑saving tips).
• Chips, dips, and vegetable sticks cost under €0.50 per serving and fill gaps between main platters.

For 50 guests, a hybrid approach – order two large sandwich platters (€8 each total €16), one hot finger food platter (€40), and supplement with homemade crudités and dips (€15) – keeps the total under €75. The pattern: bulk cold platters from supermarkets form the base; one hot dish adds warmth; homemade sides round out the table.

What are good nibbles for a party on a budget?

Cheap finger food ideas: spring rolls, sausage rolls, and bruschetta

• Mini spring rolls and sausage rolls are commonly under $1 per piece (LoveToKnow – budget nibble pricing).
• Bruschetta (tomato and basil on baguette slices) costs about €0.30 per piece when made in bulk.

Cost‑effective ordering: mix of hot and cold options

• Combining a few cold platters with one hot dish keeps costs down while providing variety (WebstaurantStore – cost mix strategy).
• Cold platters require no heating equipment, saving on venue logistics.

Where to find budget platters online and locally

• Supermarket websites (SuperValu, Tesco) allow online ordering with delivery or click‑and‑collect.
• Local delis in Dublin often offer custom platters by request; check reviews on Google Maps before ordering.

The trade‑off: budgeting for party food means choosing between time and money. Spending €4 per person at a supermarket takes 10 minutes online but yields less wow‑factor; spending €12 per person at a caterer frees you to enjoy the party but costs three times as much.

Pros and cons of ordering party food

Step‑by‑step guide to ordering party food

1. Determine guest count and event style – Standing cocktail party? Sit‑down dinner? Finger foods work best for 20+ guests.
2. Set a budget per person – Use the $10‑$15 finger food range as a baseline; adjust for adults vs. mixed ages.
3. Choose a menu mix – One hot platter, one cold platter, and one sweet option for every 20 guests is a reliable ratio.
4. Research caterers and compare prices – Check online menus from Dublin caterers like Rowans, Donnybrook Fair, and SuperValu.
5. Place the order 2‑3 days in advance – Most platters require 48 hours’ notice; confirm pickup/delivery timing.
6. Prepare serving setup – Chill cold platters, heat hot items just before guests arrive, and label allergen content.

Timeline for ordering party food

• 2 weeks before – Finalise guest list, budget, and menu style (WebstaurantStore – catering timeline)
• 1 week before – Place the order with your chosen caterer or supermarket (CSO – order timing advice)
• 2‑3 days before – Confirm delivery or pickup time and any special requests (Citizens Information – order confirmation)
• Day of event – Set up platters, keep hot food warm (chafing dishes work well), and enjoy

What’s clear and what’s not about ordering party food

Quotes from the industry

“Our finger food menu at €10.95 per person includes a choice of 4 items – a practical way to cover 20 guests without breaking the bank.”

Rowans Catering, Dublin

“We regularly source local ingredients for our mini Vietnamese chicken skewers and ham & cheese quiches, keeping prices competitive while supporting Irish producers.”

Donnybrook Fair, Dublin

“Catering pricing depends on ingredients, labour, overhead, and event complexity – a buffet is always cheaper per head than a plated dinner.”

Caterbook – catering pricing guide

Frequently asked questions

For Dublin hosts, the choice is clear: spending €10‑€15 per person on finger foods from a trusted caterer or supermarket gives you back hours of time and delivers consistent quality. If your budget is tighter, a hybrid of supermarket platters (€4‑€6 per person) plus homemade sides keeps the cost manageable without sacrificing the party atmosphere. The implication: know your guest count, set a per‑person cap, and match the menu to the occasion – your future self will thank you.

Also check out our guide to Harry Potter Birthday Cake: Canon Flavour, Recipe & Party Guide for themed party ideas, and Afternoon Tea in London – Best Venues, Prices and Guide 2025 for elegant catering inspiration.