What you need for a 40th birthday party

A 40th birthday party needs more than a cake and a few bottles of wine. This shopping list covers the items that keep the buffet, drinks table, seating, decorations and cleanup running smoothly. Plan quantities around your final guest count, then add a small buffer for broken glasses, extra servings and unexpected guests. Check dietary requirements before ordering food, and arrange chilled storage early if the party is at home or outdoors.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 7
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Gift table
Coat Rack
Party tent

Tableware

Dinner Platesqty 60
Dessert Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Drinking glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee Cupsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting Boardsqty 3
Chef's Knifeqty 3
Thermosesqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth Speakerqty 2
Extension Cordsqty 3
Power Stripsqty 3

Decorations

Balloonqty 60
Bannersqty 6
Number balloons 40
Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8

Lighting

String Lightsqty 3
LED lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Garbage bag holdersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange soda - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Spa Blue - 8 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 six-packs
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 5 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika Chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla Chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Liver sausage - 1 kilo
- Grill sausage - 1 kilo
- Herbs - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Pasta salad - 5 kilos
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Mixed salad - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian quiche - 4 pieces
- Mini meatballs - 4 kilos
- Chicken skewers - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian skewers - 2 kilos
- Birthday cake - 1 cake for 60 people
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Coffee biscuits - 4 packs
- Teaspoons - 60 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each following hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options rather than counting only alcoholic drinks.
Have one dinner plate and one set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra. For cake, provide a separate dessert plate for every guest and keep a few spare plates available.
Order or prepare enough savoury food for the full guest count, then add roughly 10% if the party overlaps a normal mealtime. Collect the cake and snacks early enough to chill or arrange them before guests arrive.
Allow one chair per seated guest and set aside extra seating if people will eat at the same time. A separate buffet table and drinks table prevent queues from forming around the dining tables.
Buy or borrow outdoor cover, lighting and power supplies before checking the weather on the day. Test the speaker, extension leads and light strings at least one day before the party.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a 40th birthday party?: Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. For a four-hour party, that is roughly five to six drinks per guest, with water and alcohol-free drinks included.
How many plates and glasses should I buy for a birthday party?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 of each; provide extra glasses if guests will move between drinks.
When should I order the birthday cake and party food?: Order the cake and prepared snacks at least 7 days ahead, especially when you need specific dietary options. Confirm the collection time 1 to 2 days before the party and leave enough time to chill and arrange everything.
What do I need for an outdoor 40th birthday party?: Arrange a party tent, outdoor lighting, extension leads, stepladders or a safe way to hang decorations, and sealed storage for food. Check the forecast 24 hours before the party and keep a backup indoor layout ready.

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