How Much Wine for 12 People?

A 750 ml bottle pours five glasses, and wine drinkers average about 2.5 glasses per evening — one bottle per two drinkers. A 60/40 red-to-white split fits most dinner crowds; flip it in summer.

Unopened bottles are returnable at many shops — over-buy confidently and ask about return policy at purchase.

Adjusting for your crowd: kids eat about two-thirds of adult portions; knock 25% off any single item when several mains share the table; add 25% for teenagers and big appetites. When in doubt, round up on the cheap items (buns, chips, ice) and stay exact on the expensive ones.