What you need for anniversary networking drinks

For anniversary networking drinks, guests need to move easily between the welcome table, bar and conversation areas. Plan supplies around standing service: wine, beer and water glasses, serving platters, name badges and enough high tables for small groups. Food should be easy to eat while standing, with separate allergen information and utensils. This checklist also covers the items people often remember too late, such as ice service, bottle openers, chilled storage, extension leads and a working coffee station.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 80
Water glassesqty 80
Beer glassesqty 70
Platesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 10
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8
Corkscrewsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4
Serving jugsqty 6
Ice spoonsqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Name badgesqty 80
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 60
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Welcome sign

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Tea towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 10 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 10 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Pilsener - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1,5 kilogram
- Fuet - 1,5 kilograms
- Grissini - 8 packs
- Toast squares - 10 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Cornichons - 2 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Towels - 4 packs

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then roughly one drink per person per hour. Keep water available throughout and chill drinks before guests arrive, not during setup.
Count glassware by service rather than by guest: prepare at least one wine glass, one water glass and one beer glass per expected guest, plus 10–15% extra for breakages and glasses left on tables.
Set up one name badge and one allergen card per guest before the event. Print around 10% extra badges so last-minute attendees do not have to write their own at the door.
Give the bar at least two corkscrews, two bottle openers, serving jugs and an ice scoop. A single opener is easy to lose once guests arrive and the first bottles are being opened.
Check power before placing the coffee makers, kettles and Bluetooth speaker. Bring extension cables and power strips, and charge the speaker fully at least the day before.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for anniversary networking drinks?: For each guest, plan one wine glass, one water glass and one beer glass, then add 10–15% spare glassware. For 50 guests, that means about 55 of each type if all three drinks are served.
How much food should I buy for networking drinks?: For a two-hour drinks reception, allow 6–8 bite-sized pieces per guest, with extra if the event overlaps a mealtime. Include a mix of easy-to-hold items and platter food, and keep a separate count for dietary requirements.
When should drinks and snacks be chilled or prepared?: Move drinks into chilled storage at least 3–4 hours before guests arrive. Wash fruit and vegetables and prepare platters shortly before service, usually within 1–2 hours, so they remain fresh.
How many name badges and allergen cards should I print?: Print one name badge and one allergen card for every confirmed guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 50 confirmed guests, prepare 55 of each to cover late registrations and printing errors.

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