Been assigned hosting duties and want to plan the perfect pizza party? Relax - we’ll bring the ideas, you bring the appetite. Whether you're organising a birthday bash, hosting a casual hangout with friends, or celebrating Pizza Party Day on May 16th, we've got everything you need to host a truly upper crust get together.

From making sure that every guest gets enough slices and knowing what to order to decorating your space, this guide is stuffed with only the best pizza party ideas and hosting tips - straight from the pizza experts.

Read on to get planning. 

“Do you think that’ll be enough?” - the dreaded question that has been striking fear into the hearts of hosts for years. Firstly, yes, it’s usually enough; in fact, it’s often enough to feed everyone (and the dog) twice, with some for tomorrow’s leftovers. To avoid falling into the too-much-food trap and having to eat the spoils of your pizza party for days afterwards, follow our portion advice below.

How do you calculate pizza needed for a party?

Do you want the good news or the bad news? The good news is that there’s a really simple way of working out how much pizza to buy, since pizzas are a) circular and b) served in slices. It’s like a simple maths problem. If you were hosting a pasta party, on the other hand, things would be a lot more complicated - with grams and scoops and all sorts. 

The bad news? There are “rules” to follow - and these rules seem to underestimate how much people love pizza.

What is the 3/8 rule for pizza?

The “3/8 pizza rule” is a guideline for estimating how much pizza to order for a gathering of people. Under this rule, you should assume that:

• Each of your guests will eat 3 slices of pizza 
• A standard pizza has approximately 8 slices.

As an example, if you had 10 guests, this rule estimates that you’d need about 30 slices of pizza (or 4 standard pizzas). That being said, you know your guests’ appetites better than any mathematical equation can estimate, and, if you and your friends are all big pizza lovers, the ratios in the 3/8 rule might leave your stomachs rumbling - especially if you don’t order sides!

So, try to find the balance between ordering based on rules and intuition. If your party is right after work, your guests are likely to need a serious refuel. However, a pizza picnic in the park may require lighter servings. 

Whatever you do, make sure to get pre-cut pizza or cut your pizzas evenly, to make sure everyone can get a fair share (or watch havoc ensue…).

How do you calculate pizza needed for a party?

On average, a large pizza has 10 slices, and a medium has 8. So, opting to double up on the mediums will guarantee you more slices in total - as well as more crust, and more topping variety (if you’ve mixed and matched). What’s more, with bundle deals and offers, opting for two mediums could be both the tastier and the more budget-friendly choice.

Remember those dietary requirements we told you to make a note of? Now’s the time to dig out that piece of paper. If anyone on your guest list is allergic to something, make sure to provide a safe but delicious option for them.

At Papa Johns, we have an easy to understand allergen code; simply keep an eye out for the allergen icons when ordering, and read through our Allergen & Nutritional Information document to be on the safe side. 

Don’t forget the extras 

A party isn’t a party with just one course, right? Wow your guests by putting out a spread of delights, from sweet to savoury - the makings of the best post-pizza party nap they’ll ever have. 

Sides & dips

Make sure to order a handful of sides to complement your main pizzas and bring some variety to the table. The following options all pair perfectly with pizza:

• Garlic pizza sticks
• Potato tots
• Chicken wings/strips
• Cheesy jalapeno bites
  

As for dips, you simply can’t deny your guests a little pot of something creamy to smother their crusts in. So, make sure to order a selection of dips, too (or, if you have a well-stocked fridge, crack out the ketchup, mayo, and ramekins, and make your own dipping setup).

Drinks

All that nattering and munching makes for thirsty work, so you’ll need to set up a drinks station somewhere stocked with all the fan favourites, like Pepsi, 7UP, Tango, and more. Precious about your glasses? Opt for plastic or cardboard cups to avoid any breakages if things are shaping up to be a lively night!

If you want to be a host that goes down in pizza party history, be sure to have plenty of ice, straws, and napkins too. You could even set up a cooler to keep drinks close-to-hand and ice-cold for the ultimate convenience. 

Desserts

Got space left? Treat your guests to something sweet to top it all off. Desserts that work well when paired with a pizza main include:

• Ice cream
• A giant choc chip cookie
• Chocolate brownies

How to keep pizza warm for a party?

If your pizza arrives before you’re ready, you’ll need to make sure you can keep it warm until your guests are hungry. For this, you can use a warming oven, cover your pizzas with foil, or even place tea towels over the boxes to trap the heat. If you’ve left it too long, you can always reheat your pizza in the microwave (using Papa Johns’ handy guide to maximise crispiness).

We’ve been the dinner of choice at countless pizza parties in our time - meaning we’ve seen our fair share of perfectly planned functions, and shamefully disorganised shindigs. Here are some final touch tips from our experts to keep your pizza party enjoyable for all (and much easier to clean up in the morning!):

• Make some labels for the pizzas if you’re hosting for a crowd.
• Order your pizza to arrive pre-cut (or cut it yourself before your guests turn up) to make for serving easier.
• Paper plates and napkins are your best friends when it comes to keeping things clean. No one wants greasy fingers on their work surfaces - and no one wants to spend hours washing up dishes at the sink while the evening is still in full-swing. 
• Don’t forget to lay out some knives and forks. While using cutlery for pizza is controversial to some, you’d be surprised how many people prefer to eat their slice this way.

It’s always a party with Papa Johns

Now that you’ve planned out your evening, there’s only one thing left to do: order! You can count on Papa Johns to deliver pizza that’s worth a party straight to your door, every time. From timeless classics to seasonal surprises and fun new topping combos, there’s something for everyone on the Papa Johns menu.

Hungry for more? Head over to our blog for the latest news and delicious updates.