Carnival trip shopping list

A carnival trip needs more than tickets and costumes. You may be feeding people before or during the outing, keeping drinks cold, charging phones and setting up a meeting point that is easy to find. This shopping list covers the practical items behind the trip, from reusable tableware and coolers to face makeup, lighting and cleanup supplies. Check quantities against your final participant list, then shop and portion everything before departure day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Ice packsqty 24
Portable speakersqty 2
Power banksqty 6
Charging cablesqty 8
Extension cordsqty 2

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Carnival flagsqty 20
Serpentinesqty 20
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Face makeupqty 10
Glitterqty 6
Costume accessoriesqty 50

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Cool bagsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Dish brushesqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Napkin holdersqty 6
Labelsqty 100
Markersqty 12
Name stickersqty 70
Wristbandsqty 70
Participant foldersqty 60
Printed participant listsqty 6
Printed route mapsqty 60
Ticket holdersqty 60
Backpacksqty 6
First aid bandage kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Umbrellasqty 6
Groceries
- Still water - 50 bottles
- Sparkling water - 20 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted pretzels - 6 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 70 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Licorice - 4 bags
- Wine gums - 4 bags
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Tissues - 20 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Wet wipes - 12 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Garbage bags - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Plastic bags - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper tablecloths - 6 pieces
- Dressing - 2 bottles
- Gluten-free rolls - 10 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Nut-free muesli bars - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan drinks for the whole group, not just the journey: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the trip length and weather. Chill what fits in the coolers and pack ice packs separately.
Prepare snacks and catering packs the day before. Portion them into separate bags or containers so one person is not opening large packets and serving everyone at the meeting point.
Pack one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per attendee, plus at least 10% extra. Add serving platters, tongs and serving spoons so shared food can be handed out without using personal utensils.
Charge speakers, power banks and phones the evening before, and pack the matching charging cables and extension cords together. Bring LED lanterns if the meeting point or return route may be dark.
Keep carnival supplies in separate bags: face makeup and glitter in one, costume accessories in another, and flags, serpentines, balloons and the balloon pump together. Put a dishpan, brushes and cloths with the food gear so cleanup is not left behind.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a carnival trip?: Use the final participant list as your base. For drinks, plan on two to three per person for the first hour, then add more for each additional hour; buy extra snacks for around 10% of the group so small delays do not leave people without food.
What should I pack to keep drinks cold on a carnival trip?: Take coolers or cool bags with ice packs, and chill the drinks before leaving. Pack the ice packs the night before and place them around the drinks rather than on top of just one layer.
How many reusable cups and plates should I bring?: Pack one cup and one plate per attendee, plus at least 10% extra. Bring the same number of reusable cutlery sets, along with serving spoons and tongs for shared food.
When should I do the shopping for a carnival trip?: Buy non-perishable supplies and costume items at least two to three days ahead. Shop for fresh food and drinks one day before departure, then chill drinks and assemble catering packs the evening before.

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