Question: How Much Food?

I have to admit, I am really bad when it comes to making too much food for a party.  Although leftovers aren’t horrible, food can be expensive and I’m all about being cheap… or at least not wasting money!

My problem is when I want to make a few different desserts or side dishes for a meal, I create enough for each guest of have one of everything, when in reality not everyone eats everything.  I never wanted a guest to miss out of a dish because I didn’t make enough, but usually guests will pick and choose what they want to eat, and then I end up with leftovers. 

I have figured out a few solutions to my issue…

       1.       Suck it up, make all the food and deal with the leftovers (nom nom nom).

       2.       Rather than making more dishes, make only a few dishes and enough for each guest.

       3.       Make a little of each dish and hope that each guest gets a bit of what they want.

   

Let's discuss…

Option 1.  Suck it up, make all the food and deal with the leftovers.  Not the most cost efficient, creates waste, and is kind of the reason I have the problem in the first place.

Option 2. Rather than making more dishes, make only a few dishes and enough for each guests.  This option, although cost efficient and does not create as much waste is not fun at all!  No variety makes for a sad, sad hostess!  However, it doesn’t create leftovers, total win if you have a small fridge!

Option 3.  Make a little of each dish, and hope that each guest gets a bit of what they want.  More variety, not as many leftover (win), however each guest may not get to try everything they want (lose). 

Personally, I want to try option 3.  It haves the variety option that I like, without all the leftover food…

Do you ever have this problem?  Which option would you try?  Have you thought of any other solutions than the ones I came up with?  Please share!