Anniversary party shopping list

This anniversary party shopping list covers the practical items you need for the meal, drinks, speeches, coffee service and room setup. Start with the confirmed guest count, then check whether the venue already provides tables, chairs, glasses or kitchen equipment. Shop for food and chilled drinks close to the event so storage is manageable. Leave time to collect dietary requirements, check deliveries and prepare serving equipment before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Cake platesqty 60
Drinking glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Balloon archesqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Photo backdrop
Photo wall stand
Number decorationsqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Mini hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn - 6 cans
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Smoked salmon - 800 grams
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 kilograms
- Snack nuts - 2 kilogram
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Birthday cake - 1 large cake
- Mini pastries - 60 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 aerosol cans
- Chocolate - 2 kilogram
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Paper napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan tableware for the final guest count, plus roughly 10% extra plates, glasses and cutlery for breakages, seconds or items left in use. Count separate dinner, dessert and cake plates rather than treating them as one category.
Buy drinks after the guest number is final. For the first hour, allow about two to three drinks per person, then roughly one drink per person per hour, with water available throughout.
Check the venue’s power supply at least one week before the party if you are using coffee machines, kettles, speakers, lighting or a microphone. Bring extension cords and power strips only where they can be used safely.
Prepare a serving plan before shopping: platters, tongs, knives and cutting boards are easy to overlook when the food itself is already ordered. Keep separate equipment available for desserts and cake.
Buy or prepare name badges, table coverings and decorative items at least three days before the anniversary party. Inflate balloons and assemble the photo backdrop only after the room layout and buffet position are settled.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for an anniversary party?: Plan food, chilled drinks, water, tableware, serving platters, cutlery, coffee supplies and decorations. You may also need a microphone, speakers, extension cords and lighting for speeches and the room setup.
How many drinks do I need for an anniversary party?: For the first hour, allow about two to three drinks per guest. After that, plan around one drink per person per hour, and provide water for the full event.
How many plates and glasses should I buy for an anniversary party?: Start with one set per confirmed guest for each meal service, then add about 10% extra. Include separate dinner, dessert and cake plates, as well as drinking glasses, wine glasses and coffee cups if those are being served.
When should I shop for an anniversary party?: Buy non-perishable supplies and decorations at least three days beforehand. Purchase fresh food and chilled drinks as close to the event as practical, and check all deliveries no later than the day before.

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