What you need for a children's reading afternoon

A children's reading afternoon needs more than books and snacks. Plan seating for both children and adults, a comfortable reading corner, simple serving equipment and enough drinks for the full programme. This shopping list also covers the items that are easy to arrange too late, such as name cards, extension cords and chilled drinks. Use your registration numbers to adjust food, cups, chairs and table space before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children’s tablesqty 4
Adult tablesqty 2
Children's chairsqty 35
Adult chairsqty 10
Blanketsqty 4
Cushionsqty 20
Bookcase

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 25
Platesqty 50
Children's cutlery setsqty 35
Adult cutlery setsqty 15
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving traysqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Wireless microphone
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Book garlandqty 2
Pennant stringsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6
Name card holdersqty 40

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Water - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Mini currant buns - 50 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Hummus - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Bell pepper strips - 1 kilo
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Raisins - 2 packs
- Banana bread - 3 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 1 pack
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Activity materials

Drawing paperqty 100
Colored pencilsqty 40
Wascoqty 10
Markersqty 10
Children's apronsqty 20
Painter's tapeqty 3

Office

Registration formsqty 50
Pensqty 10
Tapeqty 2
Name stickersqty 50
Program flyersqty 50

Tips

Count one chair and one reusable cup per child, then add seating and cups for every adult attending. Keep a few extra cups available for spills or unexpected guests.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one more for each additional hour. Chill bottled or canned drinks before opening the venue and keep backups in coolers.
Allow one plate, one children's or adult cutlery set and one serving napkin per guest, plus about 10% extra. Serving platters and trays make it easier to move snacks without interrupting a reading.
Set aside at least 20 minutes before arrival to arrange blankets, cushions and the bookcase in the reading corner. Put the selected books there in programme order so readers do not have to search between stories.
Check equipment the day before, especially the wireless microphone, Bluetooth speaker and extension cords. Test the sound from the back of the room and keep buckets nearby for quick clean-up after drinks or snacks.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a children's reading afternoon?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for each extra hour. Buy snacks for every registered child and adult, then add roughly 10% extra for seconds and late additions. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping.
How many chairs and cups should I prepare?: Prepare one chair and one cup per attendee, including adults. Add around 10% spare cups and check the final registration count two days before the event so you can borrow or buy missing items in time.
What do I need for a children's reading corner?: Use blankets and cushions for the floor, a bookcase for the books and enough nearby space for the planned audience. Arrange it at least 20 minutes before doors open, with the books in reading order and clear access for children and readers.
When should I buy and prepare the supplies?: Check the complete shopping list at least three days before the reading afternoon and do the main shopping one to two days ahead. Prepare snacks, chill drinks and collect books and materials on the day before whenever possible.

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