What to buy for a camping anniversary party

A camping anniversary party needs more than food and drinks: guests also need shelter, seating, lighting and a reliable way to serve dinner outdoors. Use this shopping list to prepare the barbecue, buffet and drinks station without last-minute runs to the store. Plan tableware for every guest plus a small reserve, and check power, coolers and tent weights before delivery day. Decorations such as flags, balloons, name badges and a photo backdrop help mark the occasion without taking up much packing space.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Bar stoolsqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Platesqty 75
Bowlsqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 75
Drinking glassesqty 90
Wine glassesqty 50

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
Grill racksqty 2
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Party tent weightsqty 8

Decorations

Party flagsqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 70
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 10
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Hand broomsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 60 pieces
- Barbecue sausages - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- White baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Mixed salad - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Corn on the cob - 60 pieces
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Satay sauce - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Plain potato chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Whipped cream cakes - 4 pieces
- Brownies - 6 trays
- Vanilla ice cream - 8 liters
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Charcoal - 8 bags
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan one complete plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra for breakage or dropped items. Add wine glasses only if wine is part of the drinks plan.
For an outdoor barbecue, allow at least one grill rack and enough serving platters and tongs to keep raw and cooked food separate. Reserve separate cutting boards and knives for meat, bread and salads.
Order or pack one cooler for drinks and another for perishable food when possible. Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive instead of relying on a last-minute ice run.
Give each tent a suitable weight before setup, especially if the party is held in an open field. Count extension cords and power strips in advance, and keep lighting cables away from walkways.
Buy decorations in groups that match the guest flow: flags and string lights for the main area, name badges at registration, and one photo backdrop with props. Keep balloons and ribbon until setup day so they do not deflate or tangle early.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a camping anniversary party?: Plan one plate, bowl, cutlery set and drinking glass per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means 44 of each everyday item before adding wine glasses or replacements.
How many drinks should I buy for a camping anniversary party?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, then about one drink per person per hour. Buy extra water and keep all drinks chilled at least 3 to 4 hours before the party starts.
When should I buy food for an outdoor barbecue party?: Buy meat and other chilled foods no more than 1 day before the party, unless they are safely frozen. Pick up groceries on the day itself when possible, and marinate meat several hours before grilling.
What equipment do I need for a camping party with tents?: Plan party tents, tables, chairs, tent weights, coolers, speakers, extension cords, power strips and string lights. Confirm deliveries at least 2 days before setup and test powered equipment before guests arrive.

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