It sounds like a simple question, but "how many Christmas crackers do I need?" catches out plenty of hosts. Buy too few and someone misses out; buy too many and you are tripping over boxes until February. This planning guide helps you work out the right number for your table, whether you are hosting a cosy family lunch or a big party with several courses.
The basic rule: one cracker per person
At its simplest, you need one cracker for every person at the table. Each guest gets a cracker at their place setting and pulls it with a neighbour. When two people pull a cracker, the person holding the larger end keeps the contents, so everyone still ends up with one cracker's worth of hat, joke and gift, and the fun is shared.
Then add a small buffer:
- Up to 6 guests: add 1 or 2 spares
- 7 to 12 guests: add 2 or 3 spares
- 13 or more guests: add roughly 10 to 15 per cent extra
Spares cover last-minute guests, a cracker that gets damaged, or a child who is desperate for another go.
Quick planning table by table size
- 2 people: 2 to 4 crackers
- 4 people: 5 to 6 crackers, a pack of 6 fits nicely
- 6 people: 7 to 8 crackers
- 8 people: 10 crackers
- 10 people: 12 crackers, a 12-pack is ideal
- 12 people: 14 to 15 crackers
- 20 people: 22 to 24 crackers, or two 12-packs
Pack sizes make planning easier. Smaller households might suit a Silver Foil make-your-own pack of 6, while a Seasonal Red 12-pack kit covers a larger family gathering with room to spare.
Planning by courses
Some families pull one cracker at the start of the meal and leave it there. Others like to spread the fun across the meal. If that is you, multiply by the number of "cracker moments" you want:
- One cracker per person: pulled before the starter or main course. The classic approach.
- Two per person: one with the main course and one with pudding. Great for long, relaxed lunches.
- Three per person: one per course for a full three-course dinner party.
For example, 8 guests having a three-course meal with a cracker each course would need 24 crackers, plus a couple of spares. When you make your own, you can theme each round: jokes and hats with the main, sweet treats with pudding, and a quiz question with the cheese board.
Other occasions to plan for
- Christmas Eve and Boxing Day meals. If you host more than one festive meal, count each one separately.
- Office parties and work lunches. One per attendee, plus a few extras for colleagues who join late.
- Children's parties. Kids love crackers, so consider one on arrival and one at teatime.
- New Year's Eve. Crackers make good party favours for seeing in the new year.
Why make-your-own kits help with planning
With a make-your-own Christmas cracker kit, you fill each cracker yourself, so you control both the number and the budget. You can:
- Make exactly the number you need, with a couple of spares
- Choose different fillers for adults and children
- Keep any unused boards to make extra crackers if plans change
- Match the design to your table and napkins
A simple planning checklist
- Count confirmed guests for each festive meal.
- Decide how many cracker moments you want per meal.
- Multiply guests by cracker moments.
- Add your buffer of spares.
- Round up to the nearest pack size.
- Order early so you have time to fill them before the big day.
A quick safety note
Snaps are small friction strips, so keep them and any small fillers away from babies and small children, and always follow the instructions supplied with your kit. If little ones are joining you, let an adult help with the pulling.
Finishing touches
Once you know your numbers, think about the rest of the table. Our Christmas kitchen and tableware range and Christmas party games help keep the fun going after the crackers are pulled.
Related guides: How to Make Your Own Christmas Crackers: A Step-by-Step Guide and What to Put Inside a Christmas Cracker: 40 Filler Ideas for Adults and Kids.
Ready to plan your table?
Now you know how many crackers you need, browse our make-your-own Christmas crackers and pick the pack sizes that suit your guest list. Free UK delivery means you can stock up in plenty of time for Christmas.