What to buy for an anniversary commemoration

An anniversary commemoration needs more than food and flowers. Guests may sit through speeches, view a photo presentation and stay for coffee, so plan the room, serving equipment and presentation setup together. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from enough glasses and serving platters to microphones, extension cords and coat racks. Confirm the guest count and dietary requirements before placing catering and supply orders.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 90
Water glassesqty 120
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving utensilsqty 12

Equipment

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

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Food warmersqty 4
Plattersqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Napkin holdersqty 10
Photo framesqty 12
Remembrance cardsqty 100
Guest book
Name badgesqty 100
Candlesqty 100
Glass candle holdersqty 100
Flower vasesqty 8
Welcome sign
Photo panelsqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 8
LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Mixed lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 12
- Red onion - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Pears - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mixed snack nuts - 2 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Quinoa salad - 4 kilo
- Grilled vegetables - 5 kilos
- Chicken skewers - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 60 pieces
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian mini quiches - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Dessert pastries - 100 servings
- Vegan pastries - 12 portions
- Gluten-free pastries - 12 servings
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Chocolate - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Rinse aid - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count tableware for the full guest list, then add at least 10% spare pieces. Include dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, glasses, forks, knives, spoons and serving cutlery.
Allow one seat per confirmed guest, plus a few stools or spare chairs for speakers and anyone who needs a different seat. Arrange buffet tables separately from dining tables so queues do not block the entrance.
For speeches and the photo presentation, check the complete AV setup at least 24 hours beforehand: speakers, two wireless microphones, stands, laptop, projector, screen, extension cords and power strips.
Plan coffee service for the final part of the programme rather than treating it as an afterthought. Provide coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks, cups, teaspoons, water glasses, serving jugs and enough space near the reception or buffet table.
Buy or reserve coat racks before the event, especially for a winter commemoration. Set aside one clearly marked place for the printed guest list, name badges and programmes so registration does not compete with food service.

Frequently asked questions

What tableware do I need for an anniversary commemoration?: For each guest, plan one dinner plate, one dessert plate, a cup, a water glass, a wine glass, a fork, a knife and a spoon. Add at least 10% extra, plus serving platters and serving cutlery for the buffet.
How many microphones are needed for anniversary speeches?: Two wireless microphones are a practical starting point: one for the speaker and one as a spare or for handovers. Test both with the speakers and microphone stands at least 24 hours before guests arrive.
How much coffee equipment should I provide?: Provide enough coffee machines or kettles to serve the expected number of guests within 20 to 30 minutes. Keep coffee in thermos flasks and prepare at least one cup per guest, with extra cups, teaspoons and water available.
When should I order catering and flowers for the commemoration?: Place both orders as soon as the date, venue and approximate guest count are confirmed, ideally at least 2 to 3 weeks before the event. Confirm the final number and dietary requirements 3 to 5 days beforehand.

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