What to buy for an anniversary table tennis tournament

Use this shopping list to prepare an anniversary table tennis tournament without scrambling on the day. The essentials cover tables, nets, paddles, balls and scoring materials, plus registration, seating, catering and power supplies. Check what the venue already provides before buying anything, especially tables, chairs, coffee equipment and extension cords. Plan consumables around the number of players, officials and guests, then keep a small reserve for damaged balls, spills and late arrivals.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Table tennis tablesqty 6
Table tennis netsqty 6
Table tennis paddlesqty 24
Table tennis ballsqty 100
Scoreboardsqty 6
Competition table numbersqty 6
Competition formsqty 100
Pensqty 20

Furniture

Folding chairsqty 70
Foldable tablesqty 10
Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3

Decorations

Anniversary banner
Balloonsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 10
Prize table sign
Table confettiqty 4
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 12

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 5 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Cake - 3 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow at least three balls per active table, plus another 10% spare supply. Balls disappear under barriers, split during play or get mixed into the wrong match box.
Prepare one paddle for each expected player and keep at least two spare paddles at the competition desk. Check grips, rubbers and handles before the venue opens rather than during the first match.
Print one match form for every scheduled match and bring at least 10% extra sheets. Keep pens at the registration desk, scoring tables and officials’ table so one missing pen does not stop play.
For drinks, plan roughly two servings per person for the first hour, then one serving per person per hour. Add extra reusable glasses and use coolers or crates so drinks remain accessible without interrupting matches.
Count seats for officials, waiting players and meal breaks separately from the playing area. Set up buffet tables before guests arrive, and bring serving tongs, platters and cutting boards if the venue has no catering equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Start with at least three balls per active table and add a 10% reserve. For example, six tables require 18 balls for play, plus two more as spares.
How many paddles should I bring to an anniversary tournament?: Bring one paddle per registered player if players are not expected to use their own. Add at least two spare paddles, and inspect them before setup begins.
How much food and drink should I buy for the tournament?: Plan drinks at two servings per person for the first hour, followed by one serving per person per hour. For food, count registered players, officials and guests separately and include a small extra portion for late arrivals.
When should I buy prizes and tournament supplies?: Order prizes and trophies at least two to three weeks before the tournament so there is time to check names, quantities and delivery. Buy fresh food and chilled drinks close to the event, while printing forms and checking equipment can be done one to three days ahead.

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