Business breakfast shopping list

A business breakfast needs more than coffee and pastries. Plan food and drinks around the final guest count, then add the tableware, serving pieces and equipment needed to keep the buffet moving. Fresh fruit, bread and toppings are easy to overlook when you place the catering order early. This list also covers name badges, presentation equipment and practical items such as water jugs and waste bins.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Rectangular tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 2
Reception desk

Tableware

Breakfast platesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 8
Bread basketsqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 3
Water jugsqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Sound system
Wireless microphone
Laptop
Projector
Presentation screen

Decorations

Name badge holdersqty 50
Table floral arrangementsqty 6
Table runnersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 1.5 kilograms
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 500 grams
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Multigrain sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Croissants - 50 pieces
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Apricot jam - 1 jar
- Chocolate sprinkles - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 750 grams
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Avocados - 10 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Plain yogurt - 5 kilograms
- Granola - 2 kilogram
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces

Tips

Confirm the final number of guests before placing the catering order, and collect dietary requirements at registration so suitable breakfast options are included rather than added at the last minute.
Plan about two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including coffee, tea and water. Have extra coffee pots, teapots, water jugs and glasses ready if guests will stay for a programme afterward.
Buy fresh fruit no more than one day before the breakfast and wash and cut it on the morning itself. Bread and toppings should be set out shortly before guests arrive so they do not dry out.
Allow one breakfast plate, fork, knife, teaspoon and coffee cup per guest, plus roughly 10% extra. Serving spoons, trays, bread baskets and small bowls are separate from guest tableware and are often forgotten.
Test the laptop, projector, presentation screen, sound system and wireless microphone at least 30 minutes before opening. Keep name badge holders at the reception desk and place waste bins where guests can reach them.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a business breakfast?: Plan breakfast items for the confirmed guest count, including bread, toppings and fresh fruit, with options based on the dietary requirements collected during registration. Order catering after the final number is known, ideally at least 2 to 3 days before the event.
How much coffee and tea do I need for a business breakfast?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour, then add more for any presentation or networking time. Prepare coffee pots, teapots, cups, teaspoons and water for the full programme rather than only for the buffet opening.
How many plates and glasses should I buy for a business breakfast?: Provide one breakfast plate, coffee cup, water glass, fork, knife and teaspoon per guest, plus around 10% spare. Add serving spoons, trays, bread baskets and small bowls separately because guests will need them at the buffet.
When should I buy fresh fruit for a business breakfast?: Buy fresh fruit no more than 1 day before the event and wash and cut it on the morning of the breakfast. Keep chilled items in coolers until the buffet is ready, preferably no earlier than 30 minutes before guests arrive.

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