This simple 4th of July party food hack will make you the ultimate host

Before the nighttime sky erupts with color, everyone gathers around the table for the feast. With this simple 4th of July party food hack, everyone will leave the event satisfied and there will be less worrying about too much leftover food.

Everyone wants a bountiful table for a holiday celebration. The party host’s biggest fear is that the empty plates will appear before everyone has eaten their full.

Given rising food costs, no one wants to buy enough food to feed an army. Luckily, there is a sweet spot where there is plenty to enjoy without having to eat leftovers well into the next week.

According to Recipe Developer and Co-Founder of Inspired Taste Joanne Gallagher, there is a simple guide to gauge how much food to buy and serve. Luckily, it is not a complicated math equation.

Gallagher said, “For finger foods, I plan for a total of 6 pieces per person, considering all the different varieties I'm offering. I estimate 3 tablespoons per person for dips and spreads, especially if other dishes are on the table. Salads are a must-have, and I usually plan for 1/2 cup per guest. When it comes to the main course, I assume 6 ounces of grilled meat or one serving of each if I'm offering burgers, hot dogs, or chicken. For dessert, one slice of pie or cake per person usually suffices, or 1-2 cookies or bars per person.”

While this guide is helpful for her, it might need to be adapted slightly. If the guest list is a group of hungry football players or growing teenage boys, the amounts might need to be bumped up a bit. Rarely do teenage boys stop at just two cookies.

Still, it is a good concept for planning purposes. There is no need to buy 40 hamburgers for 10 people. It is just not logical.

Additionally, it is important to have different types of food. Yes, people can enjoy a leafy green salad with a hot dog. Also, a fruit salad can be just as tasty as a big ice box cake for dessert.

In the end, a little thoughtfulness with the July 4th party food can make the event enjoyable in the moment and after the party ends. Or, maybe some people prefer eating potato salad for every day for a whole week.