What to buy for a farmer’s brunch

A farmer’s brunch needs more than bread, eggs and fresh produce. You’ll also need enough serving dishes, coffee equipment, chilled storage and tableware for guests to move through the buffet comfortably. Plan quantities from your final guest list, then check what you already have before shopping. The items most often arranged too late are coolers, food warmers, serving trays with lids and shelter for outdoor tables.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 4
Dining tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 100
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 12
Butter knivesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 14
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Bread basketsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Induction platesqty 2
Food warmersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Bread cutting boardsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Buffet labelsqty 20
Table numbersqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4

Equipment

Power stripsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White bread - 4 loaves
- Whole grain bake-off rolls - 40 pieces
- Croissants - 30 pieces
- Currant buns - 24 pieces
- Rye bread - 3 packs
- Butter - 1.5 kilos
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Apricot jam - 2 jars
- Dark chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Milk chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Apple syrup - 2 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Filet americain - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Bacon bits - 2 kilos
- Breakfast bacon - 1 kilo
- Minced meat - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Potatoes - 5 kilos
- Mushrooms - 2 kilos
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Avocados - 12 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Oranges - 4 kilo
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Plain yogurt - 5 kilos
- Granola - 2 kilos
- Oatmeal - 1 kilo
- Pancake mix - 3 kilos
- Apple pie - 4 cakes
- Muffins - 50 pieces
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Coffee - 1.5 kilos
- Tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Orange juice - 10 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Basil - 4 plants
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per hour; include coffee, tea and water alongside any other drinks.
Buy or borrow at least 1 dinner plate, 1 glass, 1 knife and 1 fork per guest, plus 10–15% extra for replacements and second helpings.
Plan 1 serving utensil for each buffet dish. Add separate butter knives, bread knives and cutting boards so guests do not use table cutlery for spreading or slicing.
Keep chilled products below 5°C until serving. Prepare coolers and ice at least 1 day before the brunch, especially when dairy, salads or fresh fruit are on the menu.
Set up coffee and tea for the full guest count: use enough cups and teaspoons for one round without immediate washing, and test coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks the day before.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a farmer’s brunch?: Plan 1 dinner plate, 1 glass, 1 knife and 1 fork per guest, then add 10–15% extra. For a 30-person brunch, that means at least 33 plates, glasses, knives and forks.
How much food should I buy for a farmer’s brunch?: For a mixed buffet, allow about 500–700 g of food per adult, including bread, salads, savoury dishes, fruit and sweet dishes. Add 10% if the brunch lasts more than 3 hours or replaces lunch.
How many coffee cups do I need for a brunch?: Provide 1 coffee cup per guest for a single serving round, plus 10–15% extra. For 30 guests, prepare 33–35 cups and enough coffee for about 2 cups per person.
When should I buy fresh produce for a farmer’s brunch?: Buy fresh vegetables, fruit, bread and other short-life produce 1 day before the brunch where possible. Wash produce on the day, and keep chilled items refrigerated or in coolers until serving.

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