What you need for an autumn market

An autumn market needs more than products for the stalls. You will also need sturdy market equipment, warm drinks service, signs, table coverings and decorations that can handle cool, changeable weather. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or collected before setup day. Pay particular attention to stall weights, power equipment and serving supplies: these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 18
Foldable tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Stall weightsqty 24
Clothes racksqty 6
Storage cratesqty 12

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Decorations

Autumn leavesqty 6
Pumpkinsqty 20
Hay balesqty 8
Jute table runnersqty 8
Buntingqty 10
Welcome sign
Booth number signsqty 18
Name badgesqty 40

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Hot traysqty 4
Cable reelsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Cash boxesqty 2
Card machine
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Drink dispensersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Glovesqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lightsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Hot chocolate - 2 packs
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Berry juice - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Apple pie - 6 pies
- Butter cake - 5 pieces
- Spiced cookies - 8 packs
- Spiced cookies - 6 bags
- Syrup waffles - 8 packs
- Oatmeal cookies - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed snacks - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Pears - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Dry sausage - 3 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 4 jars
- Honey - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Pumpkin soup - 20 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Onions - 3 kilos
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Pumpkin seeds - 1 kilo
- Croutons - 2 kilo
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Cinnamon - 250 gram
- Nutmeg - 100 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Lemon juice - 1 liter
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 500 pieces
- Paper soup bowls - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Pedal bin bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 200 pieces

Tips

Allow at least 2–4 stall weights per outdoor tent, depending on the tent size and wind exposure. Arrange them before setup rather than assuming the venue will provide suitable weights.
For a hot-drinks stand, plan roughly 1 coffee cup per visitor who is likely to buy a drink, plus 10% extra. Bring enough coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks to keep service running if one appliance is in use or unavailable.
Count tableware by service, not just by guest: provide at least 1 plate, fork and napkin-equivalent serving set per food portion, and add 15% spare items for breakage and unexpected demand.
Buy or prepare booth number signs, a welcome sign and route signs before the final week. Clear signs are especially useful when stalls, toilets or entrances are not visible from the main approach.
Plan autumn decoration in groups rather than loose pieces: use pumpkins, autumn leaves, hay bales and jute runners at entrances and stalls, then keep a dry storage crate available for items that cannot stay on wet ground.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an autumn market?: Start with market stalls, tables, chairs, tablecloths, stall weights, signs and storage crates. Add coffee machines, kettles, cups, glasses, plates and serving utensils if food or hot drinks are being sold, then check the list again 7 days before the market.
How many stall weights do I need for an outdoor autumn market?: Use at least 2 weights per tent as a basic minimum, and 4 or more for larger tents or exposed locations. Check the weather forecast 48 hours beforehand and follow the tent supplier’s anchoring guidance.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a market?: Plan 1 cup or plate for each expected serving, then add 10–15% spare stock. For 100 servings, that means at least 110 cups or plates, with extra glasses and cutlery if more than one food or drink stand is operating.
When should I prepare the autumn market shopping?: Buy non-perishable supplies, signs and decorations at least 7 days ahead. Collect refrigerated items and confirm any borrowed furniture or equipment 1–2 days before setup, so missing items can still be replaced.

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