Anniversary party shopping list

An anniversary party needs more than food and drinks. Plan for the meal, cake, coffee, speeches, photos, music, and the practical flow between them. Count guests before buying disposable or rented supplies, then add a small buffer for breakages and unexpected visitors. This list covers the equipment and tableware commonly needed for a seated meal, buffet, presentations, and speeches, so you can check what the venue already provides before shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 75
Dessert platesqty 75
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 80
Champagne glassesqty 70
Forksqty 80
Knivesqty 80
Spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 10
Carafesqty 8
Cake knifeqty 2
Cake forksqty 75

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon archesqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin ringsqty 70
Name badgesqty 75
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Candlesqty 24

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken breast - 6 kilograms
- Ground beef - 4 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Salmon fillet - 3 kilograms
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Rice - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 100 grams
- Curry powder - 100 gram
- Garlic powder - 100 grams
- Italian herbs - 100 grams
- Fresh garlic - 6 bulbs
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Spring onions - 4 bunches
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Broccoli - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilograms
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Salami - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Garlic sauce - 1,5 liters
- Dressing - 2 liter
- Pesto sauce - 1 liter
- Tomato sauce - 3 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Peanut sauce - 1,5 liters
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 4 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Olives - 1,5 kilogram
- Pickles - 1 kilogram
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Anniversary cake - 1 cake for 70 people
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Coffee - 1,5 kilogram
- Tea - 120 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 96 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 10 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 10 bottles
- Sparkling juice - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 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
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 8 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Liquid hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan tableware for every guest plus 10% extra: dinner and dessert plates, forks, knives, spoons, water glasses, wine glasses, and coffee cups. For 40 guests, that means 44 of each item.
Buy or arrange drinks by serving stage, not just by bottle count. Chill the first round before guests arrive, and keep coolers available for bottles that will not fit in the refrigerators.
Reserve the cake knife, cake forks, and serving platters at least 3–5 days ahead. These small items are easy to overlook, especially if the cake comes from a bakery rather than the venue.
Check the presentation setup before shopping for AV cables. Confirm that the laptop, projector, projection screen, microphones, sound system, extension cords, and power strips are compatible and available at least 1 day before the party.
Allow about 250–300 ml of coffee per coffee drinker and keep at least two kettles or a coffee machine ready for a larger group. Buy fresh produce as close to the event as practical, preferably within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for an anniversary party?: Plan one complete place setting per guest and add 10% extra for breakages, second servings, or late additions. For 50 guests, prepare about 55 dinner plates, dessert plates, forks, knives, spoons, and drinking glasses.
How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary party?: For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per guest, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill the first service at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
When should I order an anniversary party cake?: Order the cake at least 7–14 days ahead, or earlier if it is custom-made or the date falls in a busy period. Confirm the pickup time 1–2 days before the party and arrange a refrigerated place for it.
What equipment do I need for anniversary party speeches and photos?: Prepare a laptop, projector, projection screen, sound system, and microphones, plus extension cords and power strips. Test the full setup at least 1 day before the event and keep a backup copy of the presentation on a second device.

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