What you need for a costume party

A costume party needs more than food and drinks: guests also need a place to change, store coats, pose for photos and take part in the contest. This shopping list covers the practical items for serving snacks and desserts, setting up the buffet and lighting the room. It also includes costume accessories, prize supplies and basic equipment for music and announcements. Check your guest count before buying disposable or perishable items, and confirm dietary requirements before finalising the food.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Coat racksqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 40
Platesqty 70
Bowlsqty 50
Forksqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 6
Confetti cannonsqty 6
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Costume accessoriesqty 30

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving traysqty 6
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Costumes contest prizesqty 3
Groceries
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Mini wraps - 50 pieces
- Tortilla chips - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Guacamole - 750 grams
- Mild salsa - 3 jars
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Herb cream cheese - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Brie - 750 grams
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Salami - 750 gram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mini brownies - 50 pieces
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 3 crates
- Non-alcoholic beer - 1 crate
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Plan tableware for every guest plus roughly 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 plates, glasses, forks, knives and spoons so replacements are available.
Buy or prepare 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep extra bottles in coolers.
Allow at least 1 coat hook or hanger per guest, with a few spare spaces for bags and bulky costumes. A separate clothes rack is useful when guests need somewhere to change or remove costume layers.
Set aside one clearly marked area for costume photos, with a backdrop and props ready before the first arrival. Keep costume accessories in a bowl or tray so guests can find them without opening storage boxes.
For a costume contest, prepare one entry form per contestant, a prize for each planned category and a microphone if the room is large. Print the forms at least one day ahead and keep a few blank copies available.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a costume party?: Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per guest per hour. For snacks, provide several small portions rather than one large dish, and add desserts and fruit after checking dietary requirements at least 3–5 days before the party.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a costume party?: Count one plate and one drinking glass per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 20 guests, prepare 22 of each; add wine glasses only if wine is part of the planned drinks.
What do I need for a costume contest?: Prepare entry or judging forms, a jury, prizes and any microphone needed for announcements. Print the forms at least 24 hours before the party and buy prizes before the final shopping trip, not on the event day.
What should I buy for a costume party photo area?: Use a photo backdrop, several photo props and enough lighting for clear pictures. Set it up at least 1 hour before guests arrive, and leave open space in front so costumes and groups can be photographed comfortably.

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