What to Buy for a Boat Party

A boat party needs more than drinks and snacks. You also need compact serving supplies, enough cooling capacity, charged equipment and safety items that stay accessible while the boat is moving. Use this shopping list to prepare food and drinks for your guest count without overloading the deck. Check dietary requirements before ordering catering, and arrange the boat’s own equipment, life jackets and storage space before the day of departure.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar tableqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Wine glassesqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving Plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Corkscrewqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Cutting Boardsqty 3
Chef's/serving knivesqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Extension Cordsqty 2
Charging cablesqty 4

Safety

Life jacketsqty 45
First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4
Emergency blanketqty 2

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Balloonqty 50
Balloon weightsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Pistolets - 50 pieces
- Mini wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Sliced ham - 750 grams
- Chicken Breast Topping - 750 grams
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Celery - 2 stalks
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 1.5 kilograms
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Watermelon - 2 pieces
- Paprika Chips - 4 bags
- Plain Chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla Chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Herb butter - 500 grams
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Mini meatballs - 2 kilograms
- Mini quiches - 50 pieces
- Falafel balls - 1.5 kilograms
- Vegetarian spring rolls - 50 pieces
- Dutch meatballs - 2 kilograms
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Mini cupcakes - 40 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange soda - 4 bottles
- Tonic water - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 cartons
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Limes - 10 pieces
- Mint - 4 bunches
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water and soft drinks, especially if guests will be outside in warm weather.
Pack food in small, stable containers rather than one large serving dish. Bring serving bowls, boards, knives and reusable cups, and keep dietary items clearly separated before guests board.
Use at least one cooler for drinks and a separate cooler or insulated container for food. Buy ice close to departure so drinks stay cold without taking up all the available storage space.
Charge Bluetooth speakers, powerbanks and lights the day before. Bring the matching charging cables and keep lighting and backup power in a dry, easy-to-reach bag.
Do not leave safety supplies at home because the boat has basic equipment. Confirm the number and sizes of life jackets, and keep the first-aid kit, flashlights and emergency blanket accessible before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a boat party?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for every hour after that. Include water and soft drinks in the total, and buy extra non-alcoholic drinks for hot weather or longer trips.
How much ice do I need for a boat party?: Allow roughly 1 to 2 kilograms of ice per person for chilling drinks, depending on the trip length and cooler space. Buy it shortly before departure and keep a separate ice container for serving.
What food supplies should I bring on a boat party?: Bring reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving bowls, serving boards, cutting boards and serving knives. Prepare food in advance and pack it in stable, sealed containers so it can be served safely while the boat is moving.
When should I prepare a boat party shopping list?: Make the first list at least one week before departure, after collecting guest numbers and dietary requirements. Buy non-perishable supplies a few days early, then purchase fresh food and ice on the day or the evening before.

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