Buy the right amount for your gathering.
For bone-in ham, plan ¾ pound per person (about 33-40% is bone and fat). For boneless, ½ pound per person is sufficient. Children count as half an adult. Spiral-cut hams are the most convenient for serving but dry out faster — keep covered with foil and baste frequently. A whole bone-in ham (butt end) is 14-18 lbs and serves 20-28. A half ham (shank end) is 7-10 lbs and serves 10-16. Buy the shank end for easier carving and better presentation. Leftover ham is versatile: ham sandwiches, split pea soup, ham and cheese quiche, fried rice, omelets. Leftover ham keeps 3-5 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.