What to Buy for a Beach Party

A beach party needs more than drinks and snacks. You need enough cold storage, serving equipment, shade, lighting and power to keep everything working outdoors. Plan food that can be prepared ahead and packed in separate containers for dietary requirements. This shopping list covers the practical supplies behind the party, including reusable tableware, coolers, beach games, decoration and equipment for music after sunset.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothqty 10

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable wine glassesqty 60
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Pitcherqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphone
Microphone stand
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power banksqty 4
Heavy-duty cable matsqty 8
Waterproof storage boxesqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Beach flagsqty 6
Paper fansqty 12
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Ropeqty 2
Welcome sign

Sports equipment

Beach volleyballsqty 3
Beach volleyball net
Frisbeesqty 6
Beachball setsqty 8
Game markersqty 12
Waterproof scorecardsqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 30
Barbecueqty 2
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 20
Food boxesqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 12
Waste binsqty 6
Litter pickersqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Vegetarian burger buns - 20 pieces
- Beef burgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Vegetable skewers - 20 pieces
- Hot dogs - 60 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Vegan sausages - 20 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cheddar slices - 80 slices
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Corn - 3 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 4 kilogram
- Watermelons - 6 pieces
- Pineapples - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 kilogram
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Sambal - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ginger ale - 12 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Sparkling fruit water - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- Beer - 120 cans
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rum - 3 bottles
- Vodka - 3 bottles
- Tequila - 2 bottles
- Limes - 5 kilograms
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 30 kilograms
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles
- Aloe vera gel - 4 bottles
- Charcoal - 12 kilograms
- Barbecue lighter cubes - 2 boxes

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Warning tapeqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Information

Name badgesqty 100
Waterproof markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 4
Printed guest listsqty 4
Printed beach rulesqty 6

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water, especially if guests will be in the sun or playing beach games.
Use at least one large cooler for every 15 to 20 guests, and collect the ice on the day of the party. Pre-sort beer, soft drinks and water so the coolers are easier to manage.
Pack sandwiches, wraps, cut fruit and snacks in sealed containers. Keep food for guests with dietary requirements in separate, clearly marked containers from the start.
For a party running into the evening, bring battery-powered LED lanterns or string lights and spare batteries. Test Bluetooth speakers, the mixer, microphone and power banks before loading them.
Buy or bring more reusable glasses, plates and cutlery than the exact guest count: allow roughly 10 percent extra. Add serving platters, tongs and a pitcher so guests are not serving food with personal utensils.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a beach party?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Include water and non-alcoholic drinks, and collect ice on the day so everything stays cold.
How much ice do I need for a beach party?: Allow around 1 kilogram of ice per guest for cooling drinks and food, with more needed in hot weather or for a longer party. Keep it in cleaned coolers and separate drinks from food where possible.
What food is easiest to take to a beach party?: Prepare sandwiches, wraps, cut fruit and snacks in sealed containers before leaving. Pack at least one portion per guest, plus about 10 percent extra, and keep dietary-free options in separate labelled containers.
What do I need for beach party lighting and power?: Bring LED lanterns or string lights, spare batteries, power banks, power strips and extension cords if the location allows them. Test all equipment at least one day before the party and check the beach’s sound and power rules in advance.

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