What to buy for an Easter brunch

An Easter brunch needs more than eggs, bread and coffee. Plan the shopping around your final guest count, then cover the buffet, dietary meals, drinks, serving pieces and table setup. Fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and hot dishes are easy to underestimate, while coffee cups, serving spoons and cold storage are often forgotten. Use this list alongside your plan so shopping, preparation and setup happen in the right order.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Breakfast platesqty 45
Coffee cupsqty 45
Water glassesqty 45
Wine glassesqty 45
Knivesqty 45
Forksqty 45
Teaspoonsqty 45
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot traysqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Easter branchesqty 4
Easter eggsqty 40
Table decorationsqty 6
Name badgesqty 45
Vasesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- White loaf bread - 4 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Mini croissants - 48 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 48 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Apricot jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Chicken eggs - 60 pieces
- Free-range eggs - 12 pieces
- Bacon strips - 1.5 kilos
- Yogurt - 5 liters
- Muesli - 2 kilo
- Honey - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 4 pieces
- Potatoes - 5 kilos
- Asparagus - 2 kilos
- Spinach - 1 kilo
- Mushrooms - 1 kilo
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Blueberries - 1 kilo
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Brown sugar - 1 kilo
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilo
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Fresh chives - 3 bunches
- Baking soda - 1 pack
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Vanilla custard - 2 liters
- Easter chocolate - 2 kilo
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 3 bottles
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 50 pieces
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Buy non-perishable food and drinks several days ahead, then get bread, fruit, vegetables and other fresh groceries one day before the brunch. This leaves time to replace missing items before guests arrive.
Plan about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, including water, coffee, tea and cold drinks. Set out water jugs and glasses as well as coffee cups, teaspoons and thermos flasks.
Count tableware against the final guest list and add at least 10% extra plates, forks, knives and glasses. Brunch guests often use a second plate, especially when the buffet includes both savoury and sweet dishes.
Keep dietary meals clearly separate and label them before the buffet opens. Check the collected dietary requirements against the final shopping list before buying fresh ingredients.
Do not leave serving equipment until setup morning. Prepare enough serving platters, tongs, spoons, cutting boards, bread knives and hot trays, and check that extension cords reach the equipment safely.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an Easter brunch?: Plan 4–6 savoury or sweet portions per guest, with a mix of bread, toppings, eggs, fruit, vegetables, hot dishes and dessert. Add around 10% extra if guests are likely to stay longer than 2 hours or if there is no other meal planned.
How many drinks should I buy for an Easter brunch?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Include water, coffee and tea as well as cold drinks, and buy extra coffee, tea and water for guests who do not drink alcohol.
When should I buy groceries for an Easter brunch?: Buy non-perishable items 3–5 days ahead and fresh bread, fruit and vegetables 1 day before the brunch. Prepare desserts and boiled eggs early enough to cool and store them safely before setup.
How many plates and glasses do I need for an Easter brunch?: Provide one breakfast plate, water glass, coffee cup, fork, knife and teaspoon per guest, plus about 10% extra. Add wine glasses only if wine is being served, and have at least one serving utensil for every buffet dish.

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