What to Buy for an Anniversary Celebration

This anniversary celebration shopping list covers the items guests and organisers most often need on the day. Plan tableware for the meal, coffee and cake separately, and check whether the venue provides tables, chairs, serving equipment or microphones before buying anything. Drinks need space to chill, while speeches and certificates need practical presentation support. Order gifts, awards and printed materials early enough to allow for delivery and corrections.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Pastry platesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Dinner cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Food warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop
Presentation screen

Decorations

Flower arrangementsqty 6
Table runnersqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Gift table decorationsqty 2
Photo backdrop
Gift bagsqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Table numbersqty 8
Certificatesqty 12
Memorial foldersqty 12

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 4
LED candlesqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea bags - 120 pieces
- Black tea - 40 bags
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Green tea - 40 bags
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Multigrain bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Roast beef - 750 grams
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Melon - 4 pieces
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Snack nuts - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 4 kilograms
- Baguette with herb butter - 12 tubs
- Hot meatballs - 150 pieces
- Chicken satay - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian mini quiches - 40 pieces
- Vegan snacks - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Birthday cake - 2 cakes
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Petit fours - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate - 2 kilogram
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Count one dinner plate, one set of dinner cutlery and one water glass per guest, then add 10% extra for breakages, spills or late additions. If cake is served, provide a pastry plate for each guest as well.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Buy or hire enough coolers to chill drinks before guests arrive; do not rely on a last-minute ice run.
For coffee service, allow one cup and spoon per guest, plus at least one coffee machine or kettle and a thermos flask for each serving point. Keep small bowls available for sugar, milk portions or snacks.
Check the room and the equipment list at least 7 days before the celebration. Confirm that wireless microphones, speakers, microphone stands, extension cords, power strips, a laptop and a presentation screen are compatible with the venue.
Order gifts, awards, certificates and name-badge materials at least 2–3 weeks ahead. Keep wrapping supplies, printed speeches and certificates together so they are not left behind during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for an anniversary celebration?: Plan one dinner plate, dinner cutlery set and water glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For a meal followed by cake and coffee, add one pastry plate, coffee cup and coffee spoon per guest.
How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary celebration?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one per person for each additional hour. Add extra water, especially if the event includes speeches, dancing or a warm room.
When should I order anniversary gifts and certificates?: Order gifts, awards and certificate supplies at least 2–3 weeks before the event. This leaves time to check names, correct printed certificates and wrap everything without rushing.
What should I check before hiring sound equipment for speeches?: Check the venue’s power supply and microphone connections at least 7 days in advance. Confirm that the wireless microphones, speakers, stands, extension cords, power strips, laptop and presentation screen work together.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.