Anniversary party shopping list

This anniversary party shopping list covers the items guests notice only when they are missing: enough plates and glasses, serving utensils, cooling equipment, coffee supplies and waste bins. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list, then add a small buffer for breakages, second helpings and unexpected guests. If the celebration is outdoors, include party tents and weather protection before shopping day. Check whether the venue already provides tables, chairs, crockery or equipment so you do not buy or hire the same items twice.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
Stoolsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 75
Dessert platesqty 75
Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 70
Mugsqty 30
Forksqty 80
Knivesqty 80
Spoonsqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Cake Knife and Cake Serverqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice packsqty 20
Active speakersqty 2
Microphone
Microphone stand
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable power banksqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Name badgesqty 70
Table numbersqty 8
Welcome sign
Pensqty 10

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12
Lanternsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 5 bottles
- Rosé - 5 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Salami - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 4 packs
- Party snacks - 4 kilos
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 30 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 80 pieces
- Bitterballen - 100 pieces
- Vegan bitterballen - 30 pieces
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mixed salad - 5 kilos
- Cucumber salad - 3 kilos
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian pasta dish - 6 kilos
- Chicken dish - 8 kilos
- Rice - 5 kilo
- Mixed vegetables - 6 kilo
- Tiramisu - 5 kilos
- Cake - 70 pieces
- Vegan cake - 10 pieces
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Chocolate - 1 kilo
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces

Tips

Count dinner plates, dessert plates, glasses and cutlery for every guest, then add 10% extra. Dessert plates and teaspoons are easy to overlook when the cake is served later.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in batches and keep spare coolers and ice packs ready rather than relying on one fridge.
Plan one serving spoon or pair of tongs for each buffet dish, plus serving platters and trays with lids for food that must be carried or protected. Without enough serving utensils, guests start using table cutlery.
For coffee, provide one cup or mug per guest expected to drink coffee, plus teaspoons, thermos flasks and enough hot-water capacity. Test coffee machines and kettles before guests arrive, not during the speeches.
Place waste bins near the buffet, drinks area and entrance, and check them during the party. For an outdoor anniversary party, confirm party tents, tables, chairs and weather protection at least one week in advance.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for an anniversary party?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one drinking glass per guest, then add 10% extra. If guests will use wine glasses, coffee cups or mugs separately, count those as additional pieces rather than replacements.
How much alcohol and soft drink should I buy for an anniversary party?: For the first hour, plan on two to three drinks per person, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Buy a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options and keep at least 10% extra for refills and late arrivals.
When should I buy and chill the drinks?: Do the main shopping two to three days before the party and chill drinks in batches from the day before. Keep coolers, ice packs and unopened backup drinks ready so the supply does not depend on one refrigerator.
What equipment do I need for an outdoor anniversary party?: Allow at least one table and one chair per seated guest, adding separate buffet tables where food is served. Confirm party tents, waste bins, coat racks, lighting and weather arrangements at least one week before the event.

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