What to Buy for an Easter Brunch

A good Easter brunch shopping list covers more than eggs, bread, and coffee. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then check whether you have enough plates, cups, serving utensils, and buffet space. Order bakery items several days ahead, especially if you need a specific quantity. Disposable storage containers, labels for dietary dishes, and extra coolers are easy to forget but useful when the buffet is prepared in advance.

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Tablesqty 6
  • Chairsqty 48
  • Buffet tablesqty 2
  • Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

  • Platesqty 60
  • Bowlsqty 48
  • Coffee cupsqty 48
  • Water glassesqty 60
  • Wine glassesqty 48
  • Knivesqty 60
  • Forksqty 60
  • Spoonsqty 60
  • Serving spoonsqty 12
  • Serving plattersqty 10
  • Small bowlsqty 12
  • Bread basketsqty 4
  • Coffee potsqty 4
  • Teapotsqty 2

Kitchen

  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef's knifeqty 4
  • Mixing bowlsqty 4
  • Measuring cupsqty 2
  • Coolersqty 3
  • Storage binsqty 12
  • Serving tongsqty 8

Equipment

  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Food warmersqty 4
  • Extension cordsqty 3
  • Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

  • Tableclothsqty 6
  • Easter branchesqty 4
  • Easter decorationsqty 20
  • Flower arrangementsqty 6
  • Name badgesqty 50
  • Menusqty 6

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 2
  • Floor mopsqty 2
  • Broomsqty 2
  • Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

  • Groceries
    • Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
    • White rolls - 48 pieces
    • Croissants - 48 pieces
    • Currant buns - 24 pieces
    • Butter - 1 kilo
    • Strawberry jam - 4 jars
    • Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
    • Peanut butter - 2 jars
    • Hummus - 6 tubs
    • Cream cheese - 6 tubs
    • Young cheese - 2 kilos
    • Brie - 1 kilo
    • Cooked ham - 1 kilo
    • Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
    • Eggs - 80 pieces
    • Bacon - 3 kilos
    • Baby potatoes - 5 kilo
    • Spinach - 2 kilo
    • Mushrooms - 2 kilos
    • Tomatoes - 3 kilos
    • Cucumbers - 4 pieces
    • Bell peppers - 12 pieces
    • Arugula - 6 bags
    • Carrots - 2 kilo
    • Avocados - 12 pieces
    • Grapes - 3 kilos
    • Strawberries - 3 kilos
    • Melons - 3 pieces
    • Apples - 4 kilos
    • Bananas - 3 kilos
    • Yogurt - 6 liter
    • Muesli - 3 kilos
    • Honey - 2 jars
    • Mayonnaise - 2 jars
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Olive oil - 2 bottles
    • Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
    • Salt - 1 pack
    • Black pepper - 1 canister
    • Paprika powder - 1 can
    • Coffee - 4 packs
    • Tea - 2 boxes
    • Milk - 8 liters
    • Oat milk - 4 liters
    • Orange juice - 12 liters
    • Apple juice - 6 liters
    • Sparkling water - 6 bottles
    • Still water - 6 bottles
    • Cola - 4 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 4 bottles
    • Sugar - 2 kilos
    • Sweeteners - 2 boxes
    • Ice cubes - 6 bags
    • Napkins - 200 pieces
    • Cling film - 2 rolls
    • Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
    • Baking paper - 2 rolls
    • Paper towels - 6 rolls
    • Trash bags - 2 rolls
    • Dish soap - 2 bottles
    • All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
    • Rinse aid - 1 bottle
    • Toilet paper - 24 rolls
    • Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

  • Plan about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include coffee, tea, water, and any chilled drinks on the same shopping list.
  • Allow at least 1 dinner plate, 1 bowl, 1 fork, 1 knife, and 1 spoon per guest, plus 10–15% extra for dropped or reused items. Add separate serving spoons and tongs for each buffet dish.
  • Order bread, rolls, pastries, or other bakery items at least 3 days before brunch. Confirm the quantity after registrations close so you do not rely on last-minute supermarket stock.
  • Buy or set aside storage containers for leftovers and small labels for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-containing dishes. Prepare these before cooking starts, not while guests are arriving.
  • Check your coffee and tea setup 2 days ahead: count coffee pots and kettles, test extension cords and power strips, and make sure the buffet has enough table space for food, plates, and serving platters.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an Easter brunch?
For a mixed buffet, plan on roughly 500–700 g of food per adult, including bread, salads, eggs, fruit, and pastries. Add 10% extra when guests stay longer than 3 hours or when children are included.
How many eggs should I buy for an Easter brunch?
Buy about 1–2 eggs per adult if eggs are one of several main dishes. For 20 guests, that means 20–40 eggs, with a few extra for cracked shells or second servings.
How many drinks should I plan per person for brunch?
Plan 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 drink per person for every hour after that. For a 3-hour brunch with 20 guests, prepare approximately 80–100 drinks in total, including water, coffee, and tea.
How far in advance should I order Easter brunch bakery items?
Place the bakery order at least 3 days before the brunch, and earlier if Easter falls during a busy weekend. Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements before placing the order.

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