Dance party shopping list

A dance party needs more than drinks and a playlist. This shopping list covers the practical items that keep the bar, buffet, dance floor and sound setup working smoothly. Plan tableware for every guest, plus extras for breakages and second servings. Check dietary requirements before buying snacks, chill drinks several hours ahead, and test cables, speakers and lighting before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 3
Clothes hangersqty 120
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Water glassesqty 120
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Platesqty 120
Dessert platesqty 100
Forksqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphoneqty 2
Laptop
DJ headphones
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Cable traysqty 8
USB chargersqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Disco lightsqty 2
Battery lanternsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archesqty 2
Buntingqty 6
Paper garlandsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Buffet platesqty 12
Name card holdersqty 12
Photo backdrop

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 16
Serving traysqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Corkscrewsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4
Ice containersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Kitchen tongsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Trash grabbersqty 8
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Cola Zero - 18 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Tonic - 12 bottles
- Ginger ale - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Lemon juice - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 packets
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Cashews - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Carrots - 5 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Guacamole - 8 tubs
- Salsa sauce - 8 jars
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Mini burger buns - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus spread - 2 kilogram
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Arugula - 8 bags
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Falafel - 5 kilogram
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 100 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 150 pieces
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Vegan puff pastry bites - 75 pieces
- Herbs - 6 jars
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Blue trash bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Food containers - 30 pieces
- Labels - 2 packs
- Waterproof markers - 2 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Buy still and sparkling water as well, and chill the first batch at least 4 hours before the party.
Count one plate, fork, knife and water glass per guest, then add 10% extra. For a 50-person party, that means at least 55 of each frequently used item.
Prepare at least two snack portions per person per hour, with clearly marked allergen labels. Set aside separate serving spoons for each dish to avoid mixing ingredients.
Allow one power strip and one extension cord for each equipment area, and keep cables in cable trays or along walls. Test the mixer, active speakers, laptop, microphone and lights at least 2 hours before doors open.
Provide one coat hanger for every guest expected to bring a coat, plus two coat racks for a 50-person party. Put them near the entrance before guests arrive so jackets do not end up on chairs.

Frequently asked questions

How much drinks do I need for a dance party?: Plan two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one to two per person for every following hour. Include at least 500 ml of water per guest, and chill drinks 4 hours before serving.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a dance party?: Buy one plate, fork, knife and water glass per guest, plus 10% extra for breakages and second servings. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 of each item.
What lighting do I need for a dance party?: Use enough general light for entrances, the buffet and walkways, then add LED spotlights, string lights or disco lights for the room. Test every light and its power connection at least 2 hours before guests arrive.
When should I buy and prepare snacks for a dance party?: Buy shelf-stable snacks up to 3 days ahead and prepare fresh items on the day. Label allergens before guests arrive, and put the first snacks out no more than 30 minutes before the party starts.

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