How do I make coffee for 50 people?

QUESTION:

I borrowed a large electric percolator for a party. It does not have any directions. How would I make coffee for 50 people?

ANSWER:

That's a tough question to answer without being able to see the percolator.

The first thing you should do is check inside and see if there are any markings on the inside of the percolator. Sometimes the water level is marked on the inside with horizontal lines indicating the number of cups. The same goes for the filter basket for the ground coffee.

Failing that, you'll need to do the math and figure out the correct amount of water and ground coffee to use based on the basic coffee-to-water proportions. That is to say: 2 level tablespoons of ground coffee for every 5 or 6 ounces of water.

One thing you should certainly do, once you have a best estimate, is conduct a test brewing.

I know, you'll be wasting a lot of coffee. But that's better, I think, that disappointing your guests on the day.