What you need for a children’s reading afternoon

A children’s reading afternoon needs more than books and chairs. Plan the drinks, snacks, serving items and comfortable reading-corner supplies before shopping, then check what the venue already provides. For drinks, allow two servings per child for a two-hour programme, plus extra water. Name badges, signs and enough cushions are easy to overlook and are awkward to arrange once families start arriving.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Blanketsqty 6
Beanbagsqty 10
Cushionsqty 25
Bookcase

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 35
Tea glassesqty 35
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Portable speaker
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Book-themed decorations
Name badgesqty 50
Directional signsqty 8

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 16

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Ice packsqty 8

Cleaning

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

Groceries

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 2 bottles
- Cola Zero - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 3 kilo
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini crackers - 4 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Allergen-free hummus - 2 tubs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow two drinks per child for a two-hour afternoon, plus one extra serving for every five children. Include water alongside coffee and tea for adults.
Plan two small snack portions per child and add 10% extra for late registrations. Check dietary requirements before buying anything containing nuts, dairy or gluten.
Count one seat or reading-corner place per child, then add 10% spare capacity. For a floor-based reading area, provide at least one blanket or cushion per child.
Prepare one name badge for every registered child and volunteer, plus 10 spare badges. Directional signs should be printed before shopping day so they are ready when the hall opens.
Check the venue’s equipment at least 48 hours beforehand. Confirm access to a kettle, coffee maker, cups, plates, cutlery, extension cords and power strips before buying or borrowing replacements.

Frequently asked questions

How many snacks do I need for a children’s reading afternoon?: Plan two small snack portions per child for a two-hour programme, plus 10% extra. Buy separate options for the dietary requirements collected during registration.
How many drinks should I buy for a children’s reading afternoon?: Allow two drinks per child for the first two hours and add one extra serving per five children. Provide water as well as hot drinks for adults.
How many cushions and blankets do I need for a reading corner?: Aim for one cushion or beanbag per child, with 10% spare capacity. Provide at least one blanket for every two children if the floor or hall is likely to feel cool.
When should I do the shopping for a children’s reading afternoon?: Buy shelf-stable snacks, drinks and disposable or reusable serving supplies 2–3 days before the event. Purchase fresh food the day before, then chill drinks and prepare the serving area on the event day.

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