So you’ve decided you want bagels at your next get-together. Now what? First, congratulate yourself. You’ve chosen the absolute best option for your guests! Below are a couple things to remember while you’re setting up for a truly fabulous shared meal.

How many bagels feed ___ people?

How many bagels should you buy? On average, the bagel ratio is usually 10 whole bagels to 12 people, provided that you serve them sliced in half. This amounts to 0.833 bagels per guest–so just multiply the number of attendees by this number to get a rough estimate of your bagel count. If you are catering for a group of children (bagels are a favorite no matter your age!) then the recommended ratio is more like 8 whole bagels to 12 children, where you can use 0.66 for your calculations. Another factor to keep in mind is the size of the bagel your shop bakes.

How much cream cheese should I get?

If you know your guests well, you probably already know the answer to this. If you’re catering an event for acquaintances or strangers, a good place to start is 1 pound of cream cheese per dozen bagels. That’s 16oz for 12 pieces, amounting to 1.33 oz of cream cheese per whole bagel. It might also be a good idea to check with your crowd for vegans or dairy-free (read: lactose troubled) guests. Vegan tofu-based spreads are widely available and will help everyone feel included at your party. And don’t forget about butter as a spreadable option as well!

How much lox do I need?

A classic element in any bagel eating event is lox. Also known as cold-smoked salmon, it is beloved brunch fare best enjoyed thinly sliced and piled atop a bagel. One pound (16 oz) of lox will feed 12 to 15 people, unless you have either fish lovers or vegetarians in your group.

Other inclusions

Your brunch table will already be looking well-furnished with fresh bagels, copious cream cheese, and luscious lox. Besides that, there are a couple of trimmings that are almost mandatory with salmon: red onion, capers, tomato, lemon. Including arugula, cucumbers, or fresh dill can add a little splash of green to the table as well. Other great ideas for your event include whitefish, tuna salad, herring, pastrami, turkey, cheese, mustard, and of course, pickles.

Display and storage tips

To maintain maximum freshness, buy your bagels whole and slice them a couple of minutes before your event. Lay them out either in rows on a platter or heaped in a basket. The cream cheese, lox, and vegetables should be kept as cold as possible before serving. If you want to have your buffet available for over 2 hours, put your cold serving trays over a container of ice for holding. Generously stock your table with utensils (tongs, spreaders, knives, forks) to minimize cross contamination, pile up some plates and napkins, and you’re good to go. Consider displaying or orally conveying any allergen information for your guests. This is a good practice anytime you cater anything. You never know who you might help!