What to Buy for an Anniversary Unveiling

An anniversary unveiling needs more than the unveiling object and a cloth. Plan for guest registration, a welcome table, catering, speeches and a clear view of the unveiling area. This shopping list covers tableware, serving equipment, coffee supplies, drinks cooling, lighting, decorations and sound equipment. Check expected attendance before buying disposable or consumable items, and confirm dietary requirements before placing the catering order.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Microphone standqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Mood lightingqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Anniversary banner
Tableclothsqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Revealing cloth
Ribbonsqty 2
Photo frame standsqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 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 - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Stuffed eggs - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 100 pieces
- Vegan snacks - 50 pieces
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Petit fours - 60 pieces
- Bitterballen - 150 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass and one cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for breakage, late arrivals and second servings. Add coffee cups separately rather than expecting dinner glasses to cover the coffee service.
Plan the welcome table as its own station: bring name badges, a writing supply and enough table space for registration. Prepare at least 10% more badges than confirmed guests so last-minute additions do not create a delay.
For coffee service, provide one coffee cup per expected coffee drinker and keep hot water available in kettles or thermos flasks. Set out serving spoons and platters before guests arrive; these are often forgotten until the buffet is already busy.
Keep drinks cold before the venue opens by using coolers early, not just during the reception. Check extension cords and power strips at least one day ahead for the coffee machines, mixer, speakers and lighting.
Buy or collect decorations before the final setup day, especially the anniversary banner, tablecloths, balloons and flower arrangements. Test the balloon pump and check that the unveiling cloth fully covers the object without catching on its attachment.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an anniversary unveiling?: Plan tableware, serving platters and spoons, coffee equipment, coolers, catering supplies, decorations, lighting and sound equipment. Buy tableware for every guest plus about 10% extra, and check the final guest count before ordering food.
How many plates and glasses do I need for an unveiling event?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass and one cutlery set per guest. Add 10% extra; for 50 guests, that means 55 of each basic item where practical.
When should I order catering for an anniversary unveiling?: Confirm the menu and place the catering order at least 7 days before the event when possible. Collect dietary requirements before ordering so the caterer can prepare suitable portions rather than making changes on the day.
What equipment is easy to forget for an unveiling ceremony?: Check the wireless microphones, microphone stand, mixer, speakers, extension cords, power strips and LED lamps at least 24 hours before setup. A sound check should happen before guests arrive, with spare connection options available if the venue layout changes.

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