What you need for a company anniversary

A company anniversary needs more than food and drinks. You will also need tableware for the meal and dessert, serving equipment for the buffet, coffee supplies, and a reliable setup for speeches or presentations. Plan quantities from the confirmed guest list, then add a small buffer so late registrations do not leave you short. Buy chilled drinks and fresh food close to the event, while decorations, disposable supplies and technical accessories can be arranged earlier.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 100
Dessert platesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 100
Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 12
Food warmersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6

Decorations

Anniversary bannerqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon standsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Photo backdrop

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini bake-off rolls - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 1 kg
- Herb butter - 1 kg
- Hummus - 1,5 kg
- Aioli - 1 liter
- Mixed olives - 2 kg
- Cheese cubes - 2 kg
- Grapes - 3 kg
- Cucumber - 3 kg
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kg
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1.5 kg
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 80 pieces
- Mixed salad - 5 kg
- Pasta salad - 5 kg
- Potato salad - 5 kg
- Grilled vegetables - 4 kg
- Rice - 5 kg
- Pasta - 5 kg
- Tomato sauce - 5 liters
- Curry sauce - 4 liters
- Vegetarian meatballs - 3 kg
- Chicken breast - 8 kg
- Beef - 8 kg
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Mixed cake - 100 slices
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Coffee - 2 kg
- Tea - 150 bags
- Sugar - 2 kg
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 10 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 2 kg
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kg
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Count dinner plates, dessert plates, forks and knives for every confirmed guest, then add 5–10% extra. Coffee cups, spoons and water glasses are easy to overlook when the meal count is correct.
For a buffet, allow at least one serving spoon or utensil per dish and prepare enough trays for food that must be moved from the kitchen. Food warmers should be checked before the event, not while guests are arriving.
Plan drinks by service period: two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Chill the first supply several hours ahead and keep backup drinks in coolers.
For speeches or anniversary presentations, test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphones and microphone stands together at the venue. Bring extension cords and power strips, and check that cables reach the setup without crossing walkways.
Order or collect the anniversary banner, balloons and balloon stands at least 3–5 days before the event. Set aside the decorations, name badges and printed programs in one clearly marked box so they are not left behind during transport.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a company anniversary?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, fork and knife per guest, plus 5–10% extra. For 50 guests, that means 53–55 of each plate and roughly 53–55 sets of cutlery.
How many drinks should I buy for a company anniversary?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person; after that, plan about one drink per person per hour. For 50 guests over three hours, this is approximately 200–250 drinks, adjusted for coffee, water and non-alcoholic options.
When should I buy supplies for a company anniversary?: Buy decorations, tableware and technical accessories 3–5 days ahead. Purchase fresh food shortly before the event, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
What equipment is needed for anniversary speeches or presentations?: Prepare a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers, microphones and microphone stands. Test the complete setup at least one day beforehand, with extension cords and power strips ready as backups.

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