What to buy for an anniversary reception

Use this shopping list to prepare an anniversary reception without running short on drinks, glasses or serving equipment. Plan quantities from the final guest list, then add a small buffer for unexpected guests and breakages. Drinks need chilling space, while coffee supplies, dietary options and buffet equipment are often arranged too late. Check what the venue already provides before buying or hiring furniture, tableware and kitchen equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Reception tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Table skirtsqty 12

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 120
Champagne glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Dessert platesqty 100
Dinner platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 20
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3
Water carafesqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Hot traysqty 6
Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 10
Photo backdrop
Photo wall accessoriesqty 20
Table décorqty 12
Menusqty 12
Candlesqty 24
Candle holdersqty 12
Name badgesqty 100
Badge holdersqty 100
Table number cardsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED spotlightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 3 kilograms
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee creamer - 4 boxes
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Cola - 10 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Beer - 10 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- White wine - 18 bottles
- Red wine - 10 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 12 bottles
- Gin - 3 bottles
- Vodka - 2 bottles
- Bacardi - 2 bottles
- Bourbon - 2 bottles
- Vermouth - 2 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Limes - 4 kilograms
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 25 kilogram
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Strawberries - 6 kg
- Apples - 6 kilogram
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Olives - 10 jars
- Mixed nuts - 6 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Toast - 12 packs
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 kilograms
- Brie - 3 kilograms
- Gouda cheese - 5 kilograms
- Goat cheese - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 kilograms
- Pesto - 8 jars
- Tapenade - 8 jars
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Smoked salmon - 3 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Arugula - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Red onion - 2 kilograms
- Herb butter - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Chili sauce - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 3 jars
- Garlic - 10 bulbs
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Puff pastry - 20 packs
- Whipped cream - 6 liter
- Vanilla ice cream - 8 liters
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Mini pastries - 150 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 2 kilograms
- Milk chocolate - 2 kilogram
- Storage containers - 30 pieces
- Aluminum trays - 40 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Wooden skewers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and keep extra stock chilled or in coolers.
Allow one wine glass and one water glass per guest, plus around 10% extra. If champagne is served, count one champagne glass per guest and add another 10% for replacements and simultaneous use.
Buy or reserve serving platters, trays, tongs and serving spoons before the catering delivery arrives. A buffet can need several pieces for each course, so do not rely on the venue’s kitchen supplies without checking.
For coffee and tea, plan at least one cup per guest who is likely to join the hot-drinks service, with about 10% spare cups. Check that the coffee machines, kettles and coffee pots can serve the full group within 20 to 30 minutes.
Set aside clearly labelled food for dietary requirements before shopping and pass the final list to the caterer. Buy disposable foil, cling film and cutting boards at least one day ahead so leftovers and prepared items can be covered immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I buy for an anniversary reception?: For drinks, allow two to three servings per guest during the first hour and one serving per guest for every following hour. Add roughly 10% extra glasses, cups and small serving items for breakages and unexpected use.
How many glasses do I need for a reception?: Plan one wine glass and one water glass per guest, with a 10% buffer. Add one champagne glass per guest if sparkling wine is served, because guests may use more than one glass during the reception.
When should I buy drinks and reception supplies?: Buy non-perishable supplies, tableware and serving equipment at least one week before the reception. Get fresh food and chilled drinks one to two days beforehand, then chill the drinks several hours before guests arrive.
What do I need for a buffet anniversary reception?: Allow at least one dinner plate, dessert plate and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. You will also need serving platters, trays, tongs, spoons, buffet tables and enough cold or hot holding space for the menu.

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