What you need for an anniversary award show

An anniversary award show needs more than awards and a stage. Guests must be seated, served, heard and able to follow the presentation from every part of the room. This shopping list covers tableware, buffet service, microphones, projection, lighting and event signage. Check quantities against your guest count before shopping, and arrange collection of the award cups early enough to inspect them before the ceremony.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Rectangular tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 100
Buffet tablesqty 4
Stage sectionsqty 4
Stoolsqty 4
Clothing rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 110
Dessert platesqty 110
Coffee cupsqty 100
Water glassesqty 120
Wine glassesqty 120
Champagne glassesqty 110
Knivesqty 110
Forksqty 110
Spoonsqty 110
Coffee spoonsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Anniversary bannerqty 2
Balloon archesqty 2
Table runnersqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Menusqty 100
Name badgesqty 100
Photo backdrop
Photo wall accessoriesqty 20
Award cupsqty 8
Award envelopesqty 8
Winner standsqty 2

Kitchen

Food warmersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Kitchen tongsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 3
Cling filmqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bagsqty 80
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet paperqty 24
Paper towelsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 kilograms
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still mineral water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 36 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Champagne - 12 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Limes - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Smoked salmon - 2 kilogram
- Ham shank - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 4 kilograms
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted cashews - 3 kilogram
- Party nuts - 3 kilograms
- Toast squares - 10 packs
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Balsamic dressing - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 2 mills
- Salt - 2 packs
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 2 jars
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Mini pastries - 100 pieces
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Vanilla ice cream - 10 liters
- Chocolate sauce - 3 bottles
- Coffee cream - 6 packs
- Lemon for tea - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper tablecloths - 12 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Cardboard cake boxes - 10 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, fork, knife and spoon per guest, then add 10% spare pieces for late additions, dropped items and damaged tableware.
Allow one water glass per guest and at least two wine or champagne glasses per drinking guest when both drinks are served. Keep extra glasses available near the buffet rather than at every seat.
Test the full audiovisual setup at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Check the laptop, projector, screen, mixer, speakers, wireless microphones, stands, extension cords and power strips together.
Order or collect the award cups at least 7 days before the show. Count them against the award categories, check spelling and place them in presentation order before presenters arrive.
Prepare name badges and the anniversary banner before doors open. Put serving platters and tongs at the buffet before catering arrives, so food service does not depend on finding equipment at the last minute.

Frequently asked questions

What tableware do I need for an anniversary award show?: For each guest, plan one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one fork, one knife and one spoon. Add about 10% spare tableware, especially if the meal includes a buffet or multiple service rounds.
How many glasses do I need for an award show?: Start with one water glass per guest. If you serve wine and champagne, plan one wine glass and one champagne glass per drinking guest, plus roughly 10% spare glasses for replacements.
When should I arrange the sound and projection equipment?: Reserve the audiovisual equipment as soon as the venue and program are confirmed, and complete a full test at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Bring spare extension capacity and check every microphone, speaker and presentation file.
How early should I get the award cups?: Collect or receive the award cups at least 7 days before the ceremony. This gives you time to count them, inspect the finish and correct any engraving or category errors before the event.

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