First Communion shopping list

A First Communion needs more than service booklets and smart outfits. For the reception, plan the tableware, coffee equipment, serving items, drinks, decorations and practical furniture before shopping day. Count communicants, family members and helpers separately, then add a small buffer for breakages and unexpected guests. Check dietary requirements before finalising food quantities, and arrange anything borrowed or hired early—especially coffee machines, thermos flasks, tables and chairs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
Changing room screen
Coat rackqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 70
Dessert platesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 10
Cake serversqty 2
Bread cutting boardsqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

White tableclothsqty 8
Napkinsqty 80
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Balloonsqty 60
Balloon standsqty 4
Welcome sign
Name badgesqty 70
Candlesqty 12
Candle holdersqty 6

Catering

Service bookletsqty 45
Communion certificatesqty 25
Pensqty 12
Gift bagsqty 25
Serving trays with lidsqty 8
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Grape juice - 3 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini pistolets - 60 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 4 kilograms
- Salad dressing - 3 bottles
- Chicken skewers - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian vegetable skewers - 30 pieces
- Mini quiches - 80 pieces
- Petit fours - 70 pieces
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Birthday cake - 1 piece for 70 people
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Spongesqty 6

Tips

Count every guest before buying plates, cups and glasses, then add 5–10% extra so a dropped item does not disrupt the reception. Keep separate totals for communicants, adults and helpers.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water, and chill them before guests arrive. Use coolers or reserve refrigerator space rather than relying on last-minute cooling.
For coffee service, allow one cup per guest plus 10% spare, and check that the coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks are compatible with the available power supply. Pack extension cords only after checking the venue’s safety rules.
Do not leave serving equipment until the day itself: cake servers, serving spoons, platters and bread cutting boards are often forgotten when food is collected elsewhere. Put them with the catering supplies at least one day in advance.
Set aside time for the visual details after the church setup is confirmed. Tablecloths, napkins, flowers, balloons and balloon stands should be checked alongside the entrance, pews and altar table, not while guests are already arriving.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a First Communion reception?: Buy one dinner plate, one dessert plate and one water glass per guest, plus 5–10% extra. If wine is served, count one wine glass per adult who will use it and keep a few additional glasses available.
How much coffee should I buy for a First Communion?: Plan one cup per guest, with 10% extra for seconds and helpers. For a reception lasting around two hours, prepare enough coffee for roughly 1.5 cups per adult if coffee is the main hot drink.
When should I buy decorations for a First Communion?: Buy reusable or non-perishable decorations at least one week beforehand. Check flowers, balloons, balloon stands, tablecloths and napkins again two days before the service, and arrange fresh flowers as close to the event as practical.
What should I arrange before shopping for a First Communion reception?: Confirm the final guest count and dietary requirements 5–7 days before shopping. At the same time, check what the parish hall already provides and reserve missing furniture, tableware, coffee equipment and cooling space.

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