Dinner show shopping list

A dinner show needs more than ingredients and plates. You also need the equipment that keeps food warm, drinks chilled and the performance audible from every seat. Use the confirmed guest count to work out quantities, then check dietary requirements before ordering groceries. Plan the table setting, buffet, coffee station, sound equipment and lighting together so you are not making last-minute purchases on the day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 7
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2
Coat hangersqty 60

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Deep platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Dinner knivesqty 60
Dinner forksqty 60
Dinner spoonsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Carafesqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Food warmersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Audio mixer
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 10
Light standsqty 2

Decorations

Table runnersqty 7
Vasesqty 8
Artificial flowersqty 24
Name badge holdersqty 55
Menu standsqty 7

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Kitchen tongsqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Show materials

Stage drapesqty 2
Presentation stand

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Mushrooms - 2 kilos
- Potatoes - 8 kilos
- Rice - 3 kilos
- Pasta - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 5 kilos
- Ground beef - 4 kilo
- Salmon fillet - 3 kilo
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Cooking cream - 3 liters
- Vegetable broth - 3 liters
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 100 grams
- Italian herbs - 100 grams
- Curry powder - 100 gram
- Basil - 10 bunches
- Parsley - 8 bunches
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Limes - 15 pieces
- Whipped cream - 3 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Chocolate mousse - 50 portions
- Fresh fruit - 5 kilo
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate sauce - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- White wine - 10 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Table napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Count each place setting against the final guest list: one dinner plate, deep plate, dessert plate, dinner fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, water glass and wine glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra for breakage or replacements.
Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Add enough carafes and coolers to keep water and other drinks available without interrupting the show.
Match serving equipment to the menu before buying groceries. Plan at least one serving platter or bowl and one pair of serving tongs or utensils for each buffet dish, and reserve food warmers for every hot course that will wait before serving.
Set aside one coffee cup and spoon per expected coffee drinker, then provide at least one coffee machine or kettle with enough capacity for the final course. Coffee supplies are often forgotten because they are needed after the main meal.
Check the technical list at the venue at least 48 hours before opening. Test the speakers, wireless microphones, audio mixer, laptop, extension cords, power strips, atmosphere lights and light stands together rather than discovering a missing cable during the show.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a dinner show?: You need food and drinks, complete table settings, buffet and serving equipment, coffee service, and the technical setup for the performance. For each guest, plan one complete place setting plus about 10% spare tableware, and confirm the sound and lighting equipment at least 48 hours beforehand.
How much food and drink should I buy for a dinner show?: Base the food order on the final number of guests and add around 10% for unexpected portions or replacements. For drinks, allow two to three per guest during the first hour, followed by about one per person per hour; adjust for the length and format of the show.
How many plates and glasses do I need per dinner show guest?: Plan one dinner plate, deep plate, dessert plate, water glass and wine glass per guest, along with one set of cutlery. Add at least 10% extra, so 50 guests means 55 of each frequently used item where practical.
When should I buy groceries for a dinner show?: Order shelf-stable groceries and drinks several days ahead, after the menu and guest count are confirmed. Buy fresh groceries as close to the event as practical—usually one day before—and chill drinks and prepare components before guests arrive.

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