How many glasses do you need per person at a party?

Let's face it, you don't want to be spending time in the kitchen washing glasses because guest's misplace their glasses and want a fresh drink. Nor do you want to be trolling around your party looking for stray glasses you can wash for guests waiting for their next drink. But how many glasses do you need per person?

Ideally, you should have 3-4 glasses per person. This allows for multiple drinks, and takes into account drinks get misplaced or forgotten.

If you are concerned about having enough glasses, when a guest comes for their second drink, politely ask "Did you have your glass for me to refill, or would you like a fresh glass". This gives them the option to request a fresh glass, while also making them aware that they do not need to have a fresh glass everytime, which can be standard at large sponsored parties.

You might also consider renting glassware from a party rental company... and best of all, they will usually collect and wash the glasses (as well as any dishware or cutlery you rented) for you too!