What you need for a disco party

A disco party needs more than drinks and decorations. Plan your shopping around the number of guests, the length of the party and how much food will be served. Reusable glasses, coolers, serving equipment, lighting and extension leads are easy to overlook until setup starts. Buy or gather everything at least two days ahead, then chill drinks and check the equipment on the day before guests arrive.

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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
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Scoop ice creamqty 2
Sharp knivesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Music player
Microphone

Lighting

Disco lightsqty 2
LED light stringsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Disco balloonsqty 50
Foil garlandsqty 8
Confettiqty 4
Photo backdrop
Balloon pumpqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sprite - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Peanuts - 2 bags
- Mini sausages - 3 packs
- Cheese cubes - 1,5 kilo
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Mandarins - 20 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Chicken breast spread - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Mini pizzas - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Bitterballen - 60 pieces
- Candy Mix - 3 kilos
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in advance and keep a separate cooler for unopened bottles or cans.
Allow one reusable drinking glass, one plate and one cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Extra tableware prevents shortages when glasses are left on the dance floor or plates are used for seconds.
Check the full sound and lighting setup before shopping is finished. Count active speakers, the mixer, music player, microphone, disco lights, extension cords and power strips, and test them together at least one day before the party.
Buy decorations with setup time in mind: a balloon pump saves time, while foil garlands and a photo backdrop need secure fixing points. Keep confetti away from entrances and the dance floor if cleanup time is limited.
Set out waste bins before guests arrive and keep a broom, dustpan and mops accessible. For a busy disco party, place at least one waste station near the buffet and another near the dance floor or exit.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for a disco party?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one to two drinks per person for every extra hour. Add extra non-alcoholic drinks when children, drivers or guests who do not drink alcohol will attend.
How many glasses and plates do I need for a disco party?: Start with one glass, one plate and one cutlery set per guest, then add 10% to 15% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 to 35 of each item if you are not washing up during the party.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a disco party?: Buy drinks and non-perishable supplies at least two days before the event. Chill bottles and cans the day before, then fill the coolers with ice shortly before guests arrive so drinks stay cold.
What lighting and power supplies do I need for a disco party?: Plan disco lights, LED light strings, extension cords and power strips, with enough cable length to reach every setup area safely. Test the complete sound and lighting system at least 24 hours before the party and keep cables clear of the dance floor.

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