What to buy for a dessert tasting

A dessert tasting needs more than the desserts themselves. Plan small tasting portions, enough plates and forks, clear allergen information, and a practical way to keep desserts cool and drinks chilled. This shopping list also covers the kitchen equipment needed to prepare, portion and serve several desserts without sharing one knife or tray between everything. Buy shelf-stable items first, then fresh groceries close to the tasting date.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tableqty 2
Serving table
Tableclothqty 8

Tableware

Dessert platesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Tea glassesqty 50
Dessert forksqty 80
Dessert spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving traysqty 12
Glass pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Kitchen scale
Baking traysqty 6
Cake tinsqty 4
Spatulasqty 6
Whiskqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3

Equipment

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Kitchen thermometerqty 2

Decorations

Menusqty 6
Allergen cardsqty 12
Table signsqty 8
Name card holdersqty 40
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Buntingqty 4

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dishpanqty 2
Dishclothsqty 8
Spongesqty 6
Broom and dustpan
Mop set

Catering

Groceries
- Unsalted butter - 1.5 kg
- MonChou - 1 kg
- Mascarpone - 1.5 kg
- Plain cream cheese - 500 g
- Whipped cream - 3 liters
- Whole milk - 4 liter
- Eggs - 40 pieces
- Granulated sugar - 2 kg
- Icing sugar - 500 g
- Vanilla sugar - 10 sachets
- Vanilla extract - 1 bottle
- Wheat flour - 1 kg
- Almond flour - 500 g
- Cornstarch - 250 g
- Baking powder - 2 sachets
- Gelatin sheets - 30 pieces
- Dark chocolate - 1.5 kg
- Milk chocolate - 500 g
- Cocoa powder - 250 g
- Biscuits - 1,5 kg
- Ladyfingers - 4 packs
- Digestive biscuits - 4 packs
- Puff pastry - 6 rolls
- Coffee beans - 1 kg
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kg
- Raspberries - 1 kg
- Blueberries - 1 kg
- Mangoes - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kg
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Almonds - 500 g
- Pistachios - 500 g
- Coconut flakes - 250 g
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Maple syrup - 1 bottle
- Caramel sauce - 2 bottles
- Chocolate sauce - 2 bottles
- Powdered sugar for decoration - 250 g
- Mini marshmallows - 2 bags
- Macarons - 60 pieces
- Ice cubes - 5 kg
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Kitchen foil - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan 3–5 tasting portions of each dessert per guest, depending on how many desserts are on the menu. Smaller portions work better when guests are trying six or more varieties.
Provide one dessert plate and fork per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means 33 plates and forks before allowing for replacements.
Keep chilled desserts covered until serving and reserve enough cold storage at least 24 hours ahead. A single crowded refrigerator can be too small for several cakes, creams or chilled trays.
Prepare one allergen card for every dessert and place it directly beside the serving dish. Finish the cards before setup so guests do not have to wait while ingredients are checked.
Count serving spoons and trays by dessert rather than buying one of each. Two or three desserts sharing a utensil quickly causes mix-ups, especially when allergens are involved.

Frequently asked questions

How much dessert do I need for a tasting party?: Plan 3–5 small tasting portions of each dessert per guest. If you serve eight desserts to 20 people, prepare roughly 60–100 tasting portions per dessert, depending on portion size and whether guests may take seconds.
How many plates and forks do I need for a dessert tasting?: Allow one plate and fork per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 guests, shop for 33 plates and 33 forks; add extra spoons if the menu includes mousses, creams or other soft desserts.
When should I buy ingredients for a dessert tasting?: Buy non-perishable ingredients and serving supplies several days in advance. Buy fresh groceries one or two days before the event, and prepare chilled desserts early enough to cool them covered before serving.
How many allergen cards do I need?: Prepare one clearly labelled allergen card for every dessert, so a menu of 10 desserts needs 10 cards. Check the ingredient list again after shopping and before setup, especially for nuts, dairy, eggs and gluten.

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