Fireworks show shopping list

A fireworks show needs more than the professional fireworks package. Guests still need drinks, seating, serving equipment, clear directions and a safe viewing area. This shopping list covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook, from reusable glasses and buffet platters to cable mats, crowd barriers and traffic cones. Check quantities against your expected attendance, then inspect your stock before shopping so missing items are found at least a few days before the show.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 6
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Arrows to the viewing areaqty 12
Program boardsqty 4

Equipment

Professional fireworks package
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable matsqty 10
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Speaker standsqty 2

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 10
Traffic conesqty 20
Warning signsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 2
Bucketsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 12
Batteriesqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice spoonsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Broomqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Buckets for cleaningqty 4
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocomel - 24 cartons
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 120 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 cans
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini meatballs - 6 kilogram
- Vegetarian snacks - 4 kilogram
- Mini frikandellen - 4 kilogram
- Mini spring rolls - 4 kilograms
- Bitterballen - 4 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mini cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 6 boxes
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Deep-frying oil - 10 liter
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Plastic wrap - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan about 2 to 3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then add roughly 1 drink per person for each following hour. Include extra water, especially if guests will stand outside for a long time.
Count tableware by guest rather than by table: allow 1 plate, 1 cutlery set and at least 2 reusable drinking glasses per person. Add 10% spare glasses and plates for breakages or replacements.
Use enough serving bowls, platters and serving spoons for every dish on the buffet, not just every table. Chilling drinks in coolers before guests arrive prevents the bar from becoming a queue during the show.
Do not leave power accessories until the last day. Match extension cords, power strips and cable mats to the sound system, mixer, microphone and speakers, and cover every cable crossing a walking route.
Mark the viewing area before guests arrive with crowd barriers, barrier tape and traffic cones. Put arrows to the viewing area and program boards where people make decisions, such as the entrance and bar.

Frequently asked questions

How many reusable glasses do I need for a fireworks show?: Allow at least 2 glasses per guest for the first hour, plus about 10% spare. For 100 guests, that means 220 glasses; provide more if the event lasts several hours or glasses will not be collected during the show.
How much seating and tableware should I buy for a fireworks event?: Plan 1 chair per guest who needs to sit, with additional standing room around the viewing area. For tableware, allow 1 plate and 1 cutlery set per person, plus 10% spare, and check that buffet tables have enough serving utensils.
When should I buy supplies for a fireworks show?: Finish the main shopping at least 3 to 5 days before the event. Check stock and chill drinks 1 day beforehand, then inspect tables, coolers, signage, barriers and power accessories on the event day.
What safety equipment do I need for a fireworks viewing area?: Use crowd barriers, barrier tape and traffic cones to mark restricted areas and guide visitors. Have the viewing area, fireworks area and cable routes marked before guests arrive, and keep a clear access route for emergency services.

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