What to Bring for a Freedom Picnic

A Freedom Picnic needs more than sandwiches and a blanket. Plan food and drinks for the final guest count, then check whether you have enough reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery for everyone. Outdoor essentials such as coolers, water jugs, picnic blankets and party tents are easy to overlook until setup day. This list also covers buffet service, coffee and tea, transport, lighting and Freedom-themed decorations.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 50
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable wine glassesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Soup ladlesqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Storage binsqty 12

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Dutch flagsqty 8
Liberation flagsqty 6
Table décorqty 8
Name badgesqty 60

Sports equipment

Frisbeesqty 4
Kubb set
Badminton setsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Dustpans and brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal loaves - 8 loaves
- Wraps - 60 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Filet americain - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Egg salad - 1.5 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Baby potatoes - 5 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Feta - 1 kilo
- Corn - 8 cans
- Chickpeas - 8 cans
- Olives - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Fresh chives - 6 bunches
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Ziplock bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Buy or prepare food for the confirmed number of guests, plus a small margin for seconds. Set aside vegetarian portions before assembling the main buffet so they do not get mixed in.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour after that. Keep water in jugs and chill other drinks in coolers before guests arrive.
Plan one reusable plate, bowl, cup and full set of cutlery per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add serving platters, tongs and ladles separately; guest tableware cannot cover buffet service.
For an outdoor field, provide enough picnic blankets for groups and shade with party tents. Collect or rent these items at least one day before the picnic so you have time to check them.
Pack extension cords, power strips, portable speakers and lighting together in labelled storage bins. Test the music and lights before leaving, especially if the venue has limited power outlets.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Freedom Picnic?: Plan roughly 400 to 600 grams of food per adult for a picnic with salads, sandwiches and sides. Add 10% extra if the picnic lasts several hours or includes children who may take seconds.
How many drinks should I buy for a Freedom Picnic?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one per person per hour afterwards. Include water as well as other drinks, and chill them in coolers at least 2 hours before serving.
How many plates and cups do I need for a picnic?: Start with one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each item, plus separate serving platters and utensils.
When should I prepare the Freedom Picnic shopping?: Buy non-perishable supplies and decorations 2 to 3 days ahead. Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and other chilled food the day before, then wash and prepare them on the picnic day.

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