1. Work out how many crabs
Most adults eat between half a dozen and a dozen crabs, depending on size and appetite. Use our crab feast calculator.
2. Order ahead
Call a seafood market a day or two before and ask for the crabs to be steamed and seasoned for pickup. Ask what sizes they have and the price per dozen or per bushel.
3. Set the table
- Brown paper or newspaper to cover the tables.
- A wooden mallet and a small knife for each person.
- Paper towels, lots of them.
- Bowls or buckets for shells, and a bin bag ready for afterwards.
4. Sides and drinks
Corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, hush puppies or fries. Cold beer, lemonade or iced tea.
5. Teach the newcomers
Share our crab picking guide.
6. Clean up
Roll up the paper with the shells inside and bag it straight away. Shells smell quickly in warm weather.
