What to Buy for a Family Disco

A family disco needs more than music and a few decorations. You will need drinks and snacks for children and supervisors, reusable tableware, clearly separated allergy-safe food, and supplies for games and prizes. The venue also needs practical items such as waste bins, coat storage, extension cords and lighting. Use this list to shop early, chill drinks in time and avoid last-minute trips for small items that keep the event running smoothly.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Music mixer
Wireless microphone
Laptop
Music cablesqty 4
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

Disco lightsqty 3
LED string lightsqty 6
Night lightsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archesqty 2
Buntingqty 10
Disco foil curtainsqty 4
Paper fansqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Adhesive hooksqty 30
Tie wireqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Glass pitchersqty 8
Serving traysqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Bowlsqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Food containers with lidsqty 12
Ice packsqty 16
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2
Kitchen scale

Sports equipment

Dance ribbonsqty 20
Hoopsqty 10
Soft ballsqty 8
Game cardsqty 40
Prizesqty 20

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Mini pizzas - 120 pieces
- Mini cocktail sausages - 120 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 120 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Peanut sauce - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Tomato sauce - 3 jars
- Pizza seasoning - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Chocolate cake - 2 pieces
- Vanilla cake - 2 pieces
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Whipped cream - 8 cans
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Candy mix - 4 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Name stickers - 120 pieces
- Pens - 20 pieces
- Diet labels - 40 pcs
- Baking paper - 3 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Storage containers - 30 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Pedal bin bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandage strips - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a mix of water and other suitable drinks, and chill them at least four hours before guests arrive.
Allow three to five small snack portions per child, plus extra portions for supervisors. Keep allergy-sensitive food separately packed and label it before the shopping bags are unpacked.
Bring enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for one full serving round, plus about 20% extra. This covers dropped items and avoids washing up during the disco.
Buy game prizes before the final participant count is closed, ideally at least one week ahead. Prepare a few more prizes than planned games so children are not left out if a round needs repeating.
Check audio, lighting and power supplies at least one day before the event. Pack the cables, extension cords and power strips together, and keep a microphone stand and wireless microphone accessible for announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a family disco?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every extra hour. Add around 10% if the venue is warm or the disco lasts more than three hours.
How much food should I buy for a children’s disco?: Allow three to five small snack portions per child and two to three portions per supervisor. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping and keep allergen-free portions packed separately.
How many cups, plates and cutlery items do I need?: Start with one complete set per guest and add 20% extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 48 cups, 48 plates and 48 pieces of cutlery of each required type.
When should I buy supplies for a family disco?: Buy decorations, tableware, prizes and non-perishable groceries at least one week before the event. Buy fresh snacks one or two days ahead, and chill drinks at least four hours before guests arrive.

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