What you need for an anniversary children’s party

For an anniversary children’s party, shop for food and drinks first, then cover serving equipment, decorations and activity supplies. Plan tableware for every child and adult, plus a small surplus for spills and dropped cutlery. Drinks need cooling space, while the cake needs a serving platter, cake knife and enough plates for everyone. Check the guest count before shopping and allow extra time for items that need collecting or chilling.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 35
Buffet tableqty 2
Gift table
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Platesqty 40
Bowlsqty 40
Drinking glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 20
Forksqty 45
Knivesqty 35
Spoonsqty 45
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving platters for cakeqty 2
Cake knife
Thermos flasksqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Confetti cannonsqty 6
Gift tagsqty 40
Name badgesqty 40

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Conesqty 20
Skipping ropesqty 6
Hoopsqty 8
Ring toss set
Prize boxesqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10
Broom and dustpan
Mop

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Battery lanternsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Mini Hamburgers - 40 pieces
- Hot dog sausages - 40 pieces
- Mini hamburger buns - 40 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Veggie burgers - 10 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Crispy fried onions - 2 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Ice lollies - 50 pieces
- Cupcakes - 40 pieces
- Salted popcorn - 2 bags
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 3 bottles
- Syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Count children and adults separately before buying food, drinks and tableware. Buy or set out roughly 10% extra plates, cups and cutlery because children often drop or misplace them.
Keep drinks cold before guests arrive. Chill them for at least 3–4 hours, and prepare ice or filled coolers before setting up the drinks table.
Order the anniversary cake early enough to confirm the size, design and collection time. For a children’s party, choose portions for every registered guest plus 2–4 spare servings.
Pack the serving items with the cake rather than leaving them at home: a cake knife, serving platters and cake plates are easy to forget when collecting the cake.
Prepare decorations and activity equipment before guests arrive. Inflate balloons, attach bunting and place footballs or other game supplies in their activity corner at least 30 minutes before welcoming guests.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an anniversary children’s party?: Plan one main snack or sandwich portion per child, plus 2–3 extra portions for unexpected guests or larger appetites. Add fruit, sweet snacks or cake according to the length of the party, and keep 10% spare where possible.
How many drinks should I buy for a children’s anniversary party?: Allow 2–3 drinks per child for the first two hours, with extra water available throughout the party. Adults usually need 2–3 drinks each, and chilled drinks should be ready at least 3 hours before guests arrive.
How many plates, cups and cutlery items do I need?: Provide one plate, cup, fork and spoon per guest, then add around 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means preparing at least 22 of each commonly used item, with additional serving spoons and platters for the buffet.
When should I order and collect the anniversary cake?: Order the cake as soon as the guest count and date are confirmed, preferably at least 7 days before the party. Confirm the collection time 1–2 days beforehand and collect it early enough to keep it level and chilled until serving.

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