What to buy for a fondue evening for 30 people

For 30 guests, plan the shopping around shared fondue pots, individual forks, serving dishes and enough tableware for the full evening. Check dietary requirements before buying ingredients, then separate suitable portions and label allergens clearly. Drinks need chilling space, while fuel, extension cords and power strips are easy to overlook until setup starts. This list also covers the practical items needed to prepare vegetables and bread, serve sauces and clear the venue afterwards.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Coat rack

Tableware

Fondue forksqty 36
Dinner platesqty 36
Dessert platesqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36
Wine glassesqty 36
Water glassesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 36

Equipment

Fondue potsqty 6
Fondue burnersqty 6
Fuel containersqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Measuring jugsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 6
Table signsqty 6
Name badgesqty 36

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Gruyère - 3 kilograms
- Emmentaler - 2 kilograms
- Appenzeller - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Gluten-free bread - 2 loaves
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Broccoli - 2 kilograms
- Cauliflower - 2 pieces
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Carrots - 1,5 kilogram
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Celery - 2 heads
- Red onion - 1 kilogram
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Dry White Wine - 6 bottles
- Cornstarch - 500 grams
- Kirsch - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 100 grams
- Nutmeg - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Dijon mustard - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Vegan cheese sauce - 1.5 liters
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegan bread - 2 loaves
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Grape juice - 4 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liter
- Still water - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Coffee - 500 grams
- Tea - 60 bags
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Fresh fruit - 4 kilograms
- Dark chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces

Tips

Allow one fondue fork per guest plus a few spares, so buy or borrow at least 33 forks. Add 30 dinner plates, 30 dessert plates and matching cutlery rather than relying on guests to reuse plates.
Plan the fondue setup before shopping for equipment: 30 people may need several pots, burners and fuel containers. Check every pot in advance and test power and fire safety at least one day before the evening.
Chill drinks several hours ahead and prepare enough cooler space for bottles and non-alcoholic options. Do not leave this until guests arrive, especially if the venue has limited refrigerator space.
Buy or gather preparation tools in advance: cutting boards, chef’s knives, serving tongs, serving spoons and measuring jugs. Wash vegetables and slice bread before guests arrive so the buffet can be replenished quickly.
Prepare allergen labels and diet-free portions before setting the buffet. Confirm registrations and dietary requirements no later than 48 hours beforehand, then keep suitable food separate during preparation and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a fondue evening for 30 people?: Plan for 30 dinner plates, 30 dessert plates, 30 cutlery sets, 30 water glasses and 30 wine glasses. Add at least 3 spare fondue forks and a few extra glasses in case of breakage.
How many fondue pots do I need for 30 guests?: The number depends on the pot size and recipe, but one pot for every 4 to 6 guests is a practical starting point. That means checking roughly 5 to 8 fondue pots, with a matching burner and enough fuel for each pot.
When should I check dietary requirements for a fondue evening?: Collect dietary requirements when guests register and confirm the final list at least 48 hours before the event. Prepare and label separate portions before the shared buffet is set out.
What should I prepare the day before a fondue evening?: Check the fondue pots, burners, fuel containers, extension cords and power strips the day before. You can also wash vegetables, slice bread, portion sauces, prepare dessert and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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