Christmas Drinks Shopping List

A Christmas drinks event needs more than wine and beer. You will also need enough glassware, ice, serving pieces, snacks, coffee supplies and somewhere to put coats and rubbish. Use the guest count to work out quantities, then add a small buffer so you are not opening emergency cupboards during the event. Shop for chilled drinks and fresh snacks close to the date, while decorations, tableware and equipment can be checked earlier.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
High tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 36
Beer glassesqty 36
Water glassesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving traysqty 8
Small bowlsqty 10

Kitchen

Corkscrewsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 2
Ice bucketsqty 2
Pliersqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Bluetooth speakersqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Decorations

Christmas tree
Christmas baublesqty 40
Christmas garlandsqty 6
Christmas arrangementsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bag holdersqty 2
Spongesqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 8
Bucketsqty 2
Broom and dustpan
Mop

Catering

Groceries
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mandarins - 3 kilograms
- Mini sausages - 3 kilogram
- Puff pastry snacks - 120 pieces
- Meatballs - 120 pieces
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 40 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Christmas cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate - 2 kilogram
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Tealights - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Include water throughout the event and buy a little extra if guests will stay for several hours.
Plan at least two snack portions per guest per hour, with more substantial food if the drinks event overlaps dinner. Check dietary requirements before buying anything containing nuts, dairy, gluten or meat.
Match glassware to the menu: provide wine glasses, beer glasses and water glasses for each guest, plus roughly 10% extra. Extra glasses prevent delays when used ones are waiting to be washed.
Buy ice on the day or the day before and allow about 1 kilogram per 10 guests for chilling bottles, with more if you are serving drinks over ice. Check that coolers and ice buckets are large enough before shopping.
Do not leave practical supplies until the last minute. Buy bin bags, napkins, coffee, tea, serving bowls and bottle openers at least 2–3 days ahead, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a Christmas drinks party?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest. After that, plan for about one drink per person per hour, plus water and a 10% buffer for unexpected demand.
How many glasses do I need for Christmas drinks?: Provide one wine, beer or water glass per guest for the relevant drinks, then add around 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each type you plan to serve if glasses will not be washed during the event.
How much food do I need for Christmas drinks?: Allow at least two snack portions per guest per hour for a drinks-only gathering. For 20 guests staying for two hours, prepare at least 80 portions, then adjust for dietary requirements and any guests expecting a meal.
When should I buy supplies for Christmas drinks?: Buy decorations, tableware, equipment and waste supplies 2–3 days in advance. Buy fresh snacks and ice on the day or the day before, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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