Expert: Kay Cole - 12/7/2010

Question
Hi, I'm having a graduation party for 50 ppl and two things we'll be serving are ham a fresh ham ( i guess they call it the butt?) and stuffed olives. The olives will be purchased at a market and there will be an assortment of olives stuffed with blue cheese, feta and provolone. How many should I estimate to buy (they are $6.99 per lb), price doesn't matter I don't want to over / under buy. Also, for teh meat, how much should I estimate per person for the ham?

Answer
Clarence,

Sorry that I missed your question and did not answer promptly...my apologies.

For a dinner,
If the ham has a bone, count on 2-3 servings per pound.
If the ham is boneless, you'll get about 4-5 servings per pound.

Also, it depends how you will be serving it...for example - if sliced and placed on a small roll or cocktail bun...it will go further than if a dinner entree and guests are just having slices on plate.

It will also depend on what else you will be serving along with the ham.  If it is just one of two or three entree type items on a buffet...this will change the amount you should expect to serve per person.

On the olives...this is a toughy - again, what other appetizer items will you be serving? Do you know how many are in a pound? I think they are a wonderful item on a reception buffet - however, remember when purchasing that the full crowd will not eat feta or blue cheese..so, just keep that in mind when calculating the final amount. Just off the top of my head, I am thinking 100 pieces should do..but, there are variables to consider...other variety of items, the type crowd (will the 50 include small children) etc.

I can help you better with some more info. K