What to Buy for a Carnival Party

A carnival party needs more than costumes and snacks. This shopping list covers the practical items for serving food and drinks, decorating the venue, running games, welcoming guests and guiding the parade. Plan quantities from your guest count, then add a small buffer for cups, plates and refreshments. Check chilled drinks, face-painting supplies and prize materials early, because these are easy to leave until the last shopping trip.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 30
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Buntingqty 20
Confetti cannonsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Masksqty 60
Wristbandsqty 70
Coloring pagesqty 80
Colored pencilsqty 12
Markersqty 12
Face paint setsqty 4
Glitter gelqty 6
Mirrorsqty 2

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Sports equipment

Hoopsqty 8
Conesqty 20
Tug of war rope
Trash bagsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Blackcurrant syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mini sausages - 6 packs
- Vegetarian mini sausages - 3 packs
- Puff pastry - 8 rolls
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini burgers - 70 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 85 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 3 packs
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Crispy fried onions - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Cheese crackers - 6 packs
- Salted breadsticks - 6 packs
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Candy mix - 4 kilograms
- Mini cream puffs - 6 boxes
- Cake - 6 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Buy around 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Include water and chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive.
For tableware, plan at least 2 cups, 2 plates and 1 cutlery set per guest for a typical four-hour party. Add about 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items.
Set aside one serving platter, serving spoon and small bowl for each main snack or topping. This prevents the buffet from sharing utensils and keeps queues moving.
For face painting, provide one face-paint set, mirror and glitter gel station for every 15–20 children. Buy extra coloring pages, colored pencils and markers for guests waiting their turn.
Allow one wristband and one registration form per attendee, plus 10% spare supplies. Test the speakers, mixer, microphone, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the party.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drink quantities do I need for a carnival party?: For a four-hour party, plan roughly 6–8 drinks per guest, including water, soft drinks and other options. For snacks, allow 6–8 small portions per person, with extra food if the party overlaps a meal.
How many cups, plates and cutlery sets should I buy?: Allow 2 cups, 2 plates and 1 cutlery set per guest for a four-hour event, then add 10% spare. If you are using reusable cups, prepare a clearly marked place for used cups and wash or replace them during the party.
How much face paint and craft material do I need?: One face-paint set, mirror and glitter gel station serves about 15–20 children at a time. Prepare at least 1 coloring page and 3–4 coloring pencils or markers per child if the craft table runs throughout the party.
When should I buy and chill the carnival party supplies?: Buy decorations, craft supplies, wristbands and prize materials at least 7 days ahead. Buy perishable food 1–2 days before the party, and chill drinks and load the coolers several hours before guests arrive.

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