What to buy for after-work drinks

Use this shopping list to prepare an after-work drinks event without making a last-minute supermarket run. It covers drinks, snacks, tableware, serving equipment, coffee and tea, plus practical items for check-in and setup. Plan quantities around your guest count and keep extra water, ice and serving items on hand. Drinks need chilling before guests arrive, while non-perishable supplies, glasses and decorations can be set out earlier.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

High tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Coat racksqty 2
Check-in desk

Tableware

Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 60
Beer glassesqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewsqty 2
Pouring jugsqty 4
Serving utensilsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 6
LED candlesqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Markersqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Reusable clothsqty 12
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Cava - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Sinas - 6 liters
- Tonic - 4 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Salami - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 1.5 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian falafel - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three alcoholic drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Add water for every guest, especially if the room is warm or people are standing.
Chill bottles and cans at least four hours before the event. If you are using coolers, prepare enough ice to keep drinks cold throughout the reception rather than relying on a small bucket at the bar.
Buy snacks that can be eaten while standing and allow about 6 to 8 pieces per person for a short after-work gathering. Provide small bowls, plates, serving trays and utensils so guests do not need to handle food directly.
Do not forget the opening tools: prepare at least two bottle openers and two corkscrews for a busy bar. Keep pouring jugs, cutting boards and chef’s knives together where the buffet team can reach them.
Count tableware by guest plus a 10% spare allowance. Check water, wine and beer glasses separately, and set aside name badges, markers and check-in supplies before the reception team arrives.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for after-work drinks?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for every additional hour. Include water for every guest and add around 10% extra if attendance is uncertain.
How much food do I need for an after-work drinks event?: For drinks with light snacks, plan 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces per person for a two-hour event. Increase this to 10 to 12 pieces per person if the gathering replaces dinner.
How far in advance should I chill drinks?: Put bottles and cans in the refrigerator or coolers at least four hours before guests arrive. Prepare extra ice shortly before opening, because ice used for cooling is not suitable for serving.
How many glasses and plates do I need per guest?: Start with one water glass and one drink glass per guest, then add a 10% spare allowance. Provide at least one plate and one cutlery set per person when food is served from a buffet.

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