Final answer:
The rough rule of thumb for calculating how much food to prepare for a buffet is 1 pound per person. However, this rule can vary depending on the type of event and the types of food being served.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rough rule of thumb for calculating how much food to prepare for a buffet is 1 pound per person. This means that you should prepare approximately 1 pound of food for each guest attending the buffet. However, this rule can vary depending on the type of event and the types of food being served.
For example, if you know that your guests have hearty appetites or if you are serving mainly protein-rich foods like meat and fish, you may want to increase the portion size to 1.5 pounds per person. On the other hand, if you are serving lighter foods like salads or appetizers, you may choose to decrease the portion size to .5 pounds per person.
Ultimately, the amount of food you should prepare will depend on factors such as the type of event, the duration of the buffet, and the preferences of your guests. It's always a good idea to estimate on the high side to ensure that you have enough food for everyone.