Planning a Thanksgiving Dinner: Food Needed per Person

by DoItYourself Staff

In planning your Thanksgiving dinner, don't worry about following the standard nutritional guidelines regarding serving sizes. On this occasion, is usually thought better to have too much food available than not enough. The amount of food you have and what kinds really depends on your family's traditions, the ages of those having dinner, special dietary needs, picky eaters and overeaters.

Here are some general guidelines to use in planning your menu and how much to serve.

Protein

This can include turkey, ham, duck, turducken or even tofurkey. Plan on a pound per adult or teenager and ½ a pound for each kid. This takes into account bones, skin, personal preferences, seconds and leftovers.

Vegetables

For starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yams or corn, provide 4 to 6 ounces or around 2/3 of a cup per person. For regular vegetables like green beans or broccoli, serve 2 to 4 ounces or ½ cup per person. If you are serving salad, make enough for each person to have 1 cup.

Grains

The amount of stuffing depends on the size of the turkey and whether you want leftovers. Follow package directions for how much to make or figure on 6 to 8 ounces or a cup per person. If you are serving rolls, plan on 2 per person.

Appetizer

If you are serving chips, veggie sticks and dips, olives or stuffed celery, don't make too much. You don't want people to fill up on these before dinner. If serving cheese and crackers, stick to 2 or 3 kinds of cheese, about 4 ounces each.