Christmas meal shopping list

Use this list to organise everything needed for a Christmas meal, from ingredients and drinks to plates, serving dishes and kitchen equipment. Set the final quantities after confirming registrations, dietary requirements and the menu. For tableware, count one place setting per guest and add 10% extra where possible. Buy shelf-stable groceries first, then chilled products closer to the meal, so nothing is forgotten or stored too long.

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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
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Deep platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 60
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Soup ladlesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 8
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Baking dishesqty 8
Pansqty 6
Baking traysqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Aluminum foilqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Napkin holdersqty 8
Christmas light stringsqty 6
Christmas wreathsqty 4
Christmas baublesqty 40
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Pumpkin - 8 kilogram
- Onions - 3 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Vegetable broth - 12 liters
- Cooking cream - 3 liters
- Potatoes - 12 kilogram
- Chicken breast - 8 kilogram
- Vegetarian roast pieces - 2 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 3 kilogram
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Green beans - 5 kilograms
- Red cabbage - 5 kilograms
- Brussels sprouts - 5 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 4 kilograms
- Pears - 4 kilograms
- Cranberry compote - 4 jars
- Applesauce - 4 jars
- Gravy - 6 liters
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Yogurt dressing - 2 liters
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Long-life cooking cream - 3 liters
- Wheat flour - 2 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Sandwich rolls - 70 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Walnuts - 1 kilogram
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Thyme - 6 pots
- Rosemary - 6 pots
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Nutmeg - 2 jars
- Vanilla sugar - 6 sachets
- Whipping cream - 4 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 6 liters
- Christmas stollen - 6 pieces
- Christmas cookies - 8 packs
- Coffee - 5 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 10 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces

Tips

Plan portions from the confirmed guest list, then add about 10% extra for popular dishes and unexpected guests. Keep vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly portions separate and clearly labelled.
Count one dinner plate, deep plate, dessert plate, knife, fork, spoon, water glass and wine glass per person. Add at least 5 extra place settings for breakage, dropped cutlery or late additions.
Buy chilled food no more than 1–2 days before the meal unless it can be frozen. Check fridge and cooler space before shopping, especially for desserts, sauces, dairy products and prepared vegetables.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly one drink per person per hour. Provide water throughout and check whether coffee, tea and milk are needed after dessert.
Do not leave serving equipment until the day itself: count serving spoons, platters, soup ladles, tongs, baking dishes and food warmers against the menu. Check that extension cords and warmers are compatible with the venue before setup.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Christmas meal?: Use the confirmed guest count and calculate portions for each course separately. Add around 10% extra for main dishes, side dishes and dessert, especially when guests may serve themselves from a buffet.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Plan one dinner plate, deep plate, dessert plate, water glass and wine glass per guest, plus one full place setting for each person. Keep at least 5 extra settings available for replacements and unexpected guests.
When should I buy food for a Christmas meal?: Buy shelf-stable groceries 1–2 weeks ahead and check them again before shopping for fresh food. Purchase chilled products 1–2 days before the meal, unless they are frozen or have a longer safe storage period.
How many drinks should I buy for a Christmas dinner?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Add water for the full meal and plan coffee or tea for at least one serving per guest after dessert.

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