What to Buy for a Double Birthday Party
A double birthday party needs the same basics as one birthday, but guests often stay longer and expect more variety. Use this shopping list to cover the buffet, drinks, cake service, coffee, decorations, music, and games without last-minute trips. Count tableware and seats for every guest, then add a small buffer for breakages and refills. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and chill drinks early enough for the first arrivals.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 36
- Coat Rack
- Gift table
Tableware
- Reusable platesqty 40
- Reusable bowlsqty 40
- Reusable glassesqty 50
- Reusable coffee cupsqty 30
- Reusable cutleryqty 45
- Serving plattersqty 8
- Serving tongsqty 4
- Cake serversqty 2
- Jugsqty 4
Equipment
- Bluetooth Speaker
- Extension Cordsqty 2
- Power Stripsqty 2
- Coolersqty 3
- Thermosesqty 2
Kitchen
- Cutting Boardsqty 3
- Chef's Knifeqty 2
- Mixing bowlsqty 3
- Cookie tinsqty 2
Decorations
- Balloonqty 60
- Balloon pump
- Bannersqty 6
- Tableclothsqty 6
Lighting
- String Lightsqty 3
Game supplies
- Board gamesqty 5
- Card gamesqty 3
Catering
- Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Orange soda - 3 bottles
- Iced Tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blue - 24 bottles
- Spa Red - 12 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free lager - 12 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liters
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Paprika Chips - 4 bags
- Plain Chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Melon - 3 pieces
- Mini sausages - 3 packs
- Mini meatballs - 3 packs
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 packs
- Puff pastry - 4 packs
- Cream Cheese - 3 tubs
- Pesto - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Barbecue sauce - 1 bottle
- Birthday cakes - 2 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Candles - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 6 pieces
Tips
- Plan at least two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options rather than relying only on soft drinks.
- Buy or reserve cake portions for every guest, plus two to four extra portions if the guest list is uncertain. Pick up the cakes close enough to serving time that the decoration stays intact.
- Count one plate, bowl, glass, cup, and set of cutlery per guest, then add 10 percent extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each reusable item where practical.
- Provide one serving utensil for each buffet dish and keep cake servers separate. Two or three serving jugs and enough trays or bowls prevent queues when several dishes are put out together.
- Allow roughly one table seat per guest, plus a separate surface for gifts and another for the buffet or drinks. Buy or bring extension leads, power strips, and a speaker before decorating so cables do not become an afterthought.
Frequently asked questions
- How much food do I need for a double birthday party?
- Plan one main serving per guest, plus around 10 percent extra for popular dishes. For finger food, allow about 6 to 8 pieces per person before the cake, depending on how long the party lasts.
- How many drinks should I buy for a double birthday party?
- For the first hour, count two to three drinks per person, followed by one per person per hour. Add water and non-alcoholic drinks for every guest, and chill them at least 3 to 4 hours before serving.
- How many plates and glasses do I need for 20 guests?
- Prepare at least 22 plates, glasses, bowls, cups, and sets of cutlery to allow for replacements and extra servings. If the party includes several food rounds, plan extra plates or wash-up time between them.
- When should I buy or collect the birthday cakes?
- Collect the cakes on the day of the party whenever possible, ideally 1 to 3 hours before guests arrive. Keep them level and cool, and do not leave decorated cakes in a warm car or direct sunlight.
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