What to buy for an arts and crafts market

An arts and crafts market needs more than tables for the creators. You also need a workable stall setup, serving supplies, power, lighting and a simple way to keep the site tidy. Use this shopping list alongside your booth layout and participant numbers, then check delivery times before market day. Drinks, snacks, cups and signage are easy to leave until the last minute, especially when several people are bringing equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 8
Market stallsqty 24
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Cratesqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Payment terminalsqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 10
LED lampsqty 12
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 24
Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Stall signsqty 24
Program standsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cooling water jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Storage binsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Cable matsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Organization

Booth numbersqty 24
Name badgesqty 40
Program bookletsqty 500
Floor plansqty 500
Directional signsqty 20
Markersqty 12
Rolls of tapeqty 8
Cable tiesqty 200
Cash drawer
Cash change

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 1 kilogram
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olives - 2 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegan spread - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Teaspoons - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Cooling packs - 24 pieces
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Compostable trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Tissues - 12 packs

Tips

Match your furniture order to the booth layout before buying or hiring anything. Count one market stall and at least one table per selling space, then add chairs or high tables only where exhibitors need them.
Plan refreshments by attendance rather than by stall count. For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, and add coffee cups, plates, cutlery and serving trays if snacks will be available.
Check every powered item at least one week before the market. Count coffee machines, kettles, lights and payment terminals, then bring enough extension cords and power strips to reach the planned booths safely.
Pack lighting and batteries even for a daytime market. LED lamps and string lights help inside tents or under covered areas when the weather changes or the market runs later than expected.
Buy or reserve waste bins, crates and tablecloths before the final setup day. They are often forgotten because they are not part of the stall booking, but you need them as soon as exhibitors begin unloading.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for an arts and crafts market?: At minimum, plan stalls or tables for every creator, chairs where needed, tablecloths, waste bins, signage, reusable cups and serving supplies. Add tents, crates, power equipment and lighting if the market is outdoors or includes refreshments.
How many tables do I need for an arts and crafts market?: Start with one table or market stall per registered creator, based on your booth layout. Order extra tables only for shared displays, refreshments or registration, and confirm the final count at least 7 days before the event.
How many drinks should I buy for an arts and crafts market?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per visitor, then adjust for the expected opening time and weather. Buy coffee, tea and cold-drink supplies separately, and chill drinks before the market opens.
What should I prepare for power at an outdoor craft market?: List every powered device, including coffee machines, kettles, lights and payment terminals, before choosing extension cords and power strips. Check the available outlets at least 7 days in advance and keep battery-powered lighting as a backup.

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