Calculate how much food to buy for the party, split between protein, sides, salad, bread and dessert — based on number of guests and type of event.
The calculator starts from base quantities per person for a buffet, and adjusts these with a factor based on the type of event:
A balanced buffet needs a bit of everything: protein like meat or fish, sides like potatoes, rice or pasta, salad and vegetables, bread, and finally dessert. Together this gives guests a varied and filling meal.
A seated dinner usually has more courses and smaller portions of each, while a party or cocktail event with snacks needs significantly less food per person than a buffet. The calculator adjusts the base quantities with a factor for this.
Yes, check with your guests beforehand about allergies or special diets, and make sure there are options within each category that everyone can eat.
Swap out part of the protein amount for a vegetarian or vegan alternative equal to the number of guests who don't eat meat, and keep the rest of the split as normal.