How much food do I need to make per person roughly, when throwing a Baby Shower?

Question

Making various finger foods, salads (green, pasta, fruit) and dips for different styles of chips. It will be held at 3:00 pm, so I want to provide enough food, but not like stuff them full. In addition, baby will be guest of honor so people will be more so touching ang going at the food table. So how do I figure out how much food to provide so that a.) there is enough and b.) not too much left since the party is at someone else's house and I live quite a few hours away and don't want to bring much home after wards!! Is there a special equation to use?

Answer 1

For appetizers, I would figure 3 pieces per person.  As for the other things like chips & veggies, I don't think there is really a formula.  

But it is much better to have more food than less.  No one is going to want to run out in the middle of the party for more food.

Answer 2

It's after lunch and before dinner, so you don't need alot:)  About 1/4 cup of each salad per person, and perhaps 2-5 pieces of finger food each.  I'm assuming there's also a cake too:) .....  Why not leave the leftovers with the new mom?  I'm sure she'd appreciate having the food, since she's a little busy right now:)