Coffee Morning Shopping List

Use this coffee morning shopping list to organise drinks, food and serving supplies before guests arrive. Plan around the number of confirmed registrations, including dietary requirements, rather than buying at the last minute. Coffee, tea, milk and pastries are easy to underestimate, while chilled products need a clear storage plan. Check whether the venue already provides cups, plates, coffee equipment, tables and chairs before you shop or arrange transport.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 36
Coat rack
Waste binsqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 36
Platesqty 36
Glassesqty 36
Platesqty 40
Teaspoonsqty 40
Knivesqty 36
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 5
Flower arrangementsqty 3
Name badgesqty 36

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8
Broom
Mop
Bucketqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 500 grams
- Chicken breast spread - 500 grams
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Honey - 1 jar
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Cucumbers - 3 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 500 grams
- White bread rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Mini croissants - 36 pieces
- Butter cookie - 2 pieces
- Cake - 2 pieces
- Dry cookies - 3 packs
- Apples - 18 pieces
- Bananas - 18 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Split the total between coffee and tea according to your guest list.
Allow two pastries or equivalent sweet items per person, plus bread and toppings if the coffee morning includes a more filling buffet. Buy a small extra margin for late arrivals.
Buy milk and other chilled products no more than one or two days before the event. Keep them in coolers until serving if the venue does not have enough refrigerator space.
Match plates, cups, glasses, teaspoons, knives and serving spoons to the confirmed guest count, then add roughly 10 percent extra. This prevents a shortage when items are misplaced or used more than once.
Check coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks, extension cords and power strips the day before. Pack serving platters, tongs, cutting boards and bread knives together so food can be set out without searching for equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How much coffee and tea do I need for a coffee morning?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one additional drink per person for every extra hour. For 30 guests attending for two hours, prepare for about 90 servings in total, divided between coffee and tea.
How many pastries should I buy for a coffee morning?: Allow two pastries or similar sweet items per person, plus around 10 percent extra. For 30 guests, that means about 66 pieces if pastries are the main food option.
When should I buy milk and other chilled food?: Buy chilled products one or two days before the coffee morning, depending on their use-by dates. Keep them refrigerated until setup and use coolers if the venue cannot store everything safely.
How many cups and plates do I need for a coffee morning?: Start with one cup and plate per confirmed guest, then add about 10 percent extra. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 of each, along with matching teaspoons, knives and serving utensils.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.