What to buy for an anniversary brunch

An anniversary brunch needs more than food and drinks: you also need enough tableware, serving pieces, cooling space, and coffee equipment for the full guest list. Use the confirmed number of guests to scale quantities, then check dietary requirements before you shop. Buy chilled drinks and fresh produce close to the event, while renting tables, chairs, refrigeration, or hot trays early if you do not already have them. This checklist helps prevent the commonly missed items that slow down buffet setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 44
Buffet tablesqty 3
Drinks table
High tablesqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 45
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 45
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 45
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Bread basketsqty 4
Butterfly netsqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12
Carafesqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Hot traysqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Wireless microphone

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 8
Balloon bouquetsqty 6
Party buntingqty 4
Flower vasesqty 6
Photo framesqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- White and wholegrain rolls - 60 pieces
- Croissants - 40 pieces
- Multigrain bread - 4 loaves
- Baguettes - 4 pieces
- Butter - 1.5 kilos
- Plain cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Bacon strips - 1.5 kilos
- Potatoes - 3 kilo
- Spinach - 1 kilo
- Mushrooms - 1 kilo
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilos
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Apples - 2 kilo
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Greek yogurt - 4 kilogram
- Muesli - 1.5 kilos
- Honey - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 5 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 kilos
- Anniversary cake - 1 cake for 45 people
- Mini pastries - 50 pieces
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Cocktail picks - 1 box
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water in carafes as well as coffee and tea.
Allow one dinner plate and one dessert plate per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each plate rather than exactly 20.
Count serving equipment separately from guest tableware: prepare at least one serving platter, pair of tongs, or serving spoon for each buffet dish. Keep small bowls ready for toppings, sauces, or fruit.
Buy bread, fruit, and other fresh ingredients shortly before the brunch, ideally within 24 hours. Wash produce and slice bread only after the final quantities and dietary needs are confirmed.
Arrange refrigeration and hot trays before shopping day if the venue lacks storage. Chill drinks several hours ahead, and test the coffee machines, kettles, speaker, and microphone before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for an anniversary brunch?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, coffee cup, water glass, knife, fork, and spoon per guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, prepare 22 of each regularly used item.
How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary brunch?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one per person for every additional hour. Add water for the whole guest list and keep enough chilled storage for the first round.
When should I buy food for an anniversary brunch?: Buy fresh fruit, bread, dairy, and other chilled ingredients within 24 hours of the brunch when possible. Order or collect cakes and desserts on the day, or no more than one day beforehand if they keep well.
How early should I arrange tables, chairs, and refrigeration?: Reserve furniture, coolers, refrigeration equipment, and hot trays at least one to two weeks before the brunch. Confirm delivery or collection details 48 hours beforehand so setup is not delayed.

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