What you need for a family Christmas celebration

Use the checklist below to shop for a family Christmas celebration without discovering gaps on the day. Plan quantities from the confirmed guest count, then check tableware, serving pieces, decorations, drinks and gift-wrapping supplies separately. Allow one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl and cutlery set per guest, plus a few extras for accidents. Drinks need chilling space, while non-perishable groceries, wrapping paper and decorations can be bought several days early.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Dining tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 32
Clothing rack
Side tablesqty 3

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 32
Dessert platesqty 32
Soup bowlsqty 32
Coffee cupsqty 32
Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 32
Cutlery setsqty 32
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Carafesqty 4

Decorations

Christmas tree
Christmas tree decorations
Table runnersqty 5
Christmas arrangementsqty 5
Name badgesqty 32
Wrapping paperqty 4
Ribbon rollsqty 3
Christmas garlandsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED candlesqty 12

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Baking dishesqty 5
Hot traysqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Coolersqty 2
Ice cube traysqty 4

Cleaning

Dustpan and brush
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Turkey breast - 5 kilograms
- Potatoes - 6 kilograms
- Sweet potatoes - 2 kilogram
- Brussels sprouts - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilograms
- Red cabbage - 2 kilograms
- Green beans - 2 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Mushrooms - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Zucchini - 4 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Mixed lettuce - 1 kilogram
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Pears - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Cranberry sauce - 3 jars
- Gravy - 3 liters
- Vegetable broth - 2 liters
- Cooking cream - 2 liters
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Flour - 1 kilogram
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilogram
- Powdered sugar - 500 grams
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 3 liters
- Christmas cookies - 6 packs
- Dark chocolate - 500 grams
- Milk chocolate - 500 grams
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Walnuts - 500 gram
- Almonds - 500 grams
- Pine nuts - 250 grams
- Rosemary - 4 bunches
- Thyme - 4 bunches
- Parsley - 4 bunches
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Nutmeg - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 3 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Whipped cream dispenser - 4 pieces
- Sugar cubes - 2 boxes
- Teaspoons - 2 packs
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Count tableware against the final guest list: one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl and cutlery set per person, plus two or three spare settings. Include coffee cups, water glasses and wine glasses if they are part of the meal.
Plan serving equipment before buying ingredients. Allow at least one serving platter or bowl for each main dish, and have separate serving spoons or tongs so guests are not using cutlery from their place setting.
Buy non-perishable groceries and wrapping supplies several days ahead, but chill drinks and buy short-life ingredients closer to the celebration. Clear refrigerator space before the main shop so prepared dishes and drinks fit.
Check seating and table space using the confirmed guest count. Provide one chair per guest, then add side tables for drinks or serving dishes where the dining tables cannot hold them.
Group decorations and lighting into one box before shopping: tree decorations, garlands, table runners, arrangements, LED candles and string lights are easy to overlook when food is the main focus. Test string lights and check extension cords before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a family Christmas celebration?: Start with one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl and cutlery set per guest, plus two or three spare settings. Plan one water glass and one wine glass per adult, with extra glasses if drinks will be changed during the meal.
How much food should I buy for a family Christmas celebration?: Base the shopping list on the confirmed number of guests and the recorded menu rather than buying by household. As a practical starting point, allow about 150–200 g of boneless main-course food per adult, then add side dishes, dessert and snacks according to the menu.
When should I do the Christmas celebration grocery shopping?: Buy non-perishable groceries, drinks, wrapping paper and decorations 3–5 days beforehand. Shop for fresh vegetables, desserts and other short-life ingredients 1–2 days before the celebration, and chill drinks at least 6 hours before serving.
How many serving platters and serving spoons do I need?: Allow at least one serving platter, bowl or dish for every main or side dish on the menu, plus one serving spoon or pair of tongs for each. Add two extra serving utensils if several dishes will be on the table at the same time.

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