What to buy for an anniversary bridge drive

For an anniversary bridge drive, shopping is more than food and drinks. You need enough tableware for the meal, coffee and refreshments, plus bridge supplies, scoring equipment and practical items for registration and setup. Base quantities on the number of players, tables and catering arrangements, then add a small reserve for breakages and last-minute guests. Check chilled products, dietary meals and prizes before shopping day so nothing essential is left until the event morning.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 52
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2

Equipment

Bridge cardsqty 24
Card sleevesqty 12
Bid traysqty 12
Calculatorsqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Anniversary banner
Table decorationsqty 12
Balloonsqty 40
Balloon pump
String lightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Brie - 1,5 kilogram
- Gouda cheese - 1.5 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mixed salads - 6 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Warm quiche - 8 pieces
- Vegetarian quiche - 4 pieces
- Dressing - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Chocolate cake - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Peppermint - 4 bags
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
Buffet warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cubesqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Other

Table number cardsqty 12
Scorecardsqty 120
Running sheetsqty 60
Pen setsqty 24
Name stickersqty 60
Clipboardsqty 4
Prize trophiesqty 6
Anniversary giveawaysqty 48
Printer paper
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Tips

Count bridge tables and card sets together: each table needs its own bridge cards, bid trays and scorecards, with one complete spare set available for damage or loss.
Plan tableware for the full service rather than only the meal. For each guest, allow at least one plate, glass, cup and cutlery set, then add 10% extra for replacements and seconds.
Buy drinks according to the schedule and weather. For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per person, then add coffee, tea, water and any chilled products needed with the catering.
Do not leave printing supplies until setup. Bring the laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the drive, and print spare schedules, directions and scorecards.
Decorations are easy to overlook when shopping is focused on catering. Check the anniversary banner, table decorations, balloons, balloon pump and string lights together before loading everything for the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for an anniversary bridge drive?: Plan one plate, glass, coffee cup and cutlery set per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means 44 of each frequently used item where practical. Add serving spoons, small bowls and enough coffee pots or teapots for the catering schedule.
How many bridge cards and bid trays do I need?: Provide one complete set of bridge cards and bid trays for every active bridge table. Add at least one spare set, and check card sleeves before the event rather than discovering damaged cards during registration.
How many drinks should I buy per guest?: For the first hour, allow approximately two to three drinks per person, then adjust for the length of the drive, catering and weather. Include non-alcoholic options, coffee and tea, and buy chilled products no later than the day before.
When should I buy supplies for an anniversary bridge drive?: Buy non-perishable items, decorations and equipment at least 3 to 5 days beforehand. Buy drinks and other chilled products one day before, then check dietary meals, prizes and the complete shopping list on the day before setup.

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