Wine and Cheese Party

I am planning a wine/cheese party (Italian Theme)for approx 40 guests. What would you recommend for wine and cheese,? how much of each should I get? (Maintain a budget of about $500).

For 40 guests I would recommend that based on 3 drinks per person, so serving a total of 120 drinks, and assuming a 50/50 split of red and white wine drinkers, you would need 12 bottles of each red and white. Increase that slightly to be safe (to say 15 or 16 bottles of each) and you should be good.

As for the cheese, it will depend on the variety of cheeses, etc. But factor a total of about 5oz to 7oz of cheese (total) per person.

Hope that helps ... also if you are planning an Italian themed party try and include Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) as well.