What to buy for an arts afternoon in a care facility

An arts afternoon in a care facility needs more than paper and paint. You will need accessible tables, enough seating, easy-to-handle materials, serving equipment, and a simple way to keep finished work safe while it dries. Plan supplies around the number of residents and guides, then add a small reserve for spills, damaged materials, and visitors who want to try more than one activity. Check power access and dietary requirements before shopping, because both are easy to leave until the last day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Wheelchair tablesqty 4
Serving trolleyqty 2
Drying racksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Pouring jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving trays with lidsqty 4

Art supplies

Drawing paperqty 100
Canvas clothsqty 45
Acrylic paint setsqty 12
Brushesqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 20
Markersqty 20
Wax crayonsqty 12
Scissorsqty 20
Glue sticksqty 30
Mixing palettesqty 20
Water bowlsqty 30
Apronsqty 45
Protective filmqty 2
Clothespinsqty 60
Ropeqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Paper garlandsqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 50

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Low-salt crackers - 5 packs
- Whole grain crackers - 5 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Halal chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Currant buns - 50 pieces
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian mini spring rolls - 60 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Vanilla custard - 4 liter
- Diet biscuits - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Nut-free muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces

Tips

Count one complete place setting per attendee, plus 10% extra: reusable plates, bowls, cups, coffee cups, and cutlery are easy to run short of when staff and guides also join refreshments.
For each painting station, provide at least two brushes per participant and enough acrylic paint sets for people to share without waiting. Keep drawing paper, colored pencils, markers, and wax crayons available for residents who prefer a dry activity.
Buy or borrow one wheelchair-height table for every four to six wheelchair users, depending on the table design. Measure the room and leave at least 1.2 metres for clear wheelchair routes between tables and serving areas.
Plan one drying rack shelf or equivalent space for each painting group, and bring extra paper or protective cloths for wet work. Finished paintings often cannot be stacked safely before the afternoon ends.
Prepare refreshments for the registered group and add 10% to the quantity. Bring serving trays with lids, thermos flasks, pouring jugs, serving spoons, cutting boards, and kitchen knives before the day itself; these are commonly overlooked when the focus is on art materials.

Frequently asked questions

What art supplies do I need for an arts afternoon in a care facility?: Provide drawing paper, canvas cloths, acrylic paint sets, brushes, colored pencils, markers, wax crayons, and scissors. Buy enough for every activity group to work at the same time, with about 10% extra for spills, mistakes, or additional participants.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a care facility art activity?: Plan one chair for each seated participant, guide, and helper, plus 10% spare seating. Use wheelchair tables for residents who need them and keep at least 1.2 metres of clear access around the tables and serving trolley.
How much food and drink should I buy for an arts afternoon?: Use the confirmed registration total as your base and add 10% for staff, guides, and late arrivals. For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, including coffee, tea, or water, then adjust snacks for dietary requirements.
What equipment is easy to forget for an arts afternoon?: Check extension cords, power strips, kettles, coffee machines, thermos flasks, drying racks, and a Bluetooth speaker at least 48 hours beforehand. Also confirm that serving trays with lids and accessible furniture are available before setup begins.

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