What to Buy for an Anniversary Party

This anniversary party shopping list covers the items guests usually notice only when they are missing: enough glasses, serving pieces, chilled drinks and a clear place for gifts. Buy or gather tableware for the final guest count, then add a small buffer for breakages and unexpected guests. Check dietary requirements before setting menu quantities, and order the cake early enough for your chosen date. Use the list alongside your setup plan so food, coffee and decorations are ready before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Clothing rack
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Pastry platesqty 60
Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12
Cake knife

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkinsqty 100
Balloonsqty 80
Buntingqty 8
Balloon pumpqty 2
Table décorqty 8
Gift table

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Coffee makerqty 2
Kettle
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving traysqty 5
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 10

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 5 crates
- Non-alcoholic lager - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 5 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Pasta sauce - 6 jars
- Green salad - 4 bags
- Salad dressing - 3 bottles
- Baguettes for dinner - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Chicken breast - 5 kilos
- Ground beef - 4 kilo
- Potatoes - 8 kilo
- Mixed vegetables - 6 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Anniversary cake - 1 cake
- Whipped cream - 4 aerosol cans
- Petit fours - 60 pieces
- Chocolate - 6 bars
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then about one drink per person per additional hour. Chill the first batch in advance and keep extra drinks in coolers.
Match tableware to the confirmed guest count: one dinner plate, pastry plate, glass and cutlery set per person, plus roughly 10% extra. Set aside coffee cups separately so they do not disappear during the meal.
Order the anniversary cake at least 7 days ahead, especially if it needs a specific size or decoration. Keep a cake knife and enough pastry plates with the cake-serving supplies.
Buy napkins at a rate of 2 to 3 per guest, not one each. Add small bowls and serving spoons for snacks, salads and desserts so guests are not forced to use dinner plates for everything.
Check equipment 1 to 2 days before the party: test the Bluetooth speaker and microphone, count extension cords and power strips, and confirm that the coffee maker, kettle and thermos flasks work.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I buy for an anniversary party?: For a meal, plan about 500 to 700 g of food per adult across the main dish, salads, snacks and dessert. Confirm the final guest count 3 to 5 days before shopping, then add around 10% for extra portions.
How many drinks do I need for an anniversary party?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per guest during the first hour and about 1 per person for each hour after that. Buy a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first supply at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for an anniversary party?: Provide one dinner plate, pastry plate, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each core item; add coffee cups separately if coffee and tea are served.
When should I order the cake for an anniversary party?: Order the cake at least 7 days before the party, and earlier if you need a custom design or a specific serving size. Confirm the pickup or delivery time 1 to 2 days beforehand so it is not left to the last minute.

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