What to Buy for a Beach Party

A beach party needs more than food and drinks. You also need shade, seating, serving supplies, cooling, lighting, and a way to keep music and phones running away from mains power. This shopping list covers the practical items for setting up a buffet, preparing barbecue food, serving guests, and leaving the beach clean. Check guest numbers before buying disposable quantities, and confirm what the beach location allows at least a few days before the event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Folding tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Beach loungersqty 12
Picnic blanketqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 80
Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving Spoonsqty 8
Bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
BBQ tongsqty 4
Cutting Boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Soup spoonsqty 4
Foil traysqty 20

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonqty 80
Balloon weightsqty 8

Lighting

String Lightsqty 6
LED Lightsqty 8

Sports equipment

Beach volleyballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 4
Beach paddle setsqty 6
Tug-of-war rope

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Can openersqty 3
Dishwashing tubqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Burger buns - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burger buns - 15 pieces
- Beef burgers - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Corn on the cob - 25 pieces
- Zucchinis - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1.5 kg
- Baby potatoes - 5 kg
- Mixed salad - 3 kg
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kg
- Red onions - 1 kg
- Iceberg lettuce - 6 heads
- Potato salad - 3 kg
- Pasta salad - 3 kg
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 1.5 kg
- Sliced cheese - 2 kg
- Burger sauce - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Water - 60 liters
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Beer - 120 cans
- Alcohol-free lager - 24 cans
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Ice cubes - 20 kg
- Popsicles - 60 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salty snacks - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 2 kg
- Grapes - 3 kg
- Strawberries - 2 kg
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand Soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan for roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in the cool boxes before loading them, and keep one box reserved for food.
Provide at least one seat or comfortable place to sit for every two guests, then add extra space with picnic blankets. Two or three party tents can provide useful shade for a larger group, depending on their size and the beach rules.
For a barbecue buffet, allow one serving plate or bowl for each prepared dish and one serving utensil for each dish. Pack aluminium trays for cooked food so it does not sit directly on preparation boards or tables.
Take powerbanks and check speaker battery levels the day before. If you use extension cables or lighting, test the full setup before leaving and protect every connection from sand and moisture.
Pack one clearly marked waste point for general rubbish and separate bags for bottles and food waste. Bring enough bags for the guest count, plus at least five spare bags for the end-of-party cleanup.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a beach party?: Plan for food and drinks, reusable plates, bowls, glasses or cups, and cutlery. You will also need cool boxes, serving dishes, barbecue equipment if you are cooking, seating, shade, waste bags, lighting, and any planned games or decorations.
How many drinks should I buy for a beach party?: Start with two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then allow one drink per person per additional hour. Add extra water for warm weather and keep non-alcoholic options available for every guest.
How many seats do I need for a beach party?: Provide one chair or beach chair for about every two guests if people will also use picnic blankets. For a seated meal, plan one seat per guest and check whether the beach permits your chosen chairs and tables.
When should I buy and prepare beach party supplies?: Buy non-perishable supplies two to three days ahead and check the weather and location rules at the same time. Chill drinks and prepare salads and other cold food on the day, then transport them in filled cool boxes.

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