What to buy for a group weekend

A group weekend needs more than food and drinks. Plan for shared meals, late arrivals, outdoor activities, sleeping arrangements and a venue that may not have enough kitchen or tableware. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or brought before the cars are loaded. Start with headcount and dietary requirements, then add a small buffer for breakfasts, snacks and drinks so you are not shopping during the weekend.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Bowlsqty 24
Mugsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Large potsqty 4
Frying pansqty 2
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 3
Battery lanternsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 24
Markersqty 2

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 2
Frisbeesqty 3
Ropeqty 2
Game cardsqty 4
Board gamesqty 5

Sleeping gear

Sleeping matsqty 20
Sleeping bagsqty 20
Cushionsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Tea towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Pistolets - 30 pieces
- Bread - 6 loaves
- Croissants - 24 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Eggs - 36 pieces
- Bacon - 1,5 kilogram
- Yogurt - 4 kilogram
- Muesli - 2 kilograms
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Pasta sauce - 8 jars
- Vegetarian pasta sauce - 4 jars
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Chicken satay - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 24 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 30 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Syrup - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 2 jars
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person per hour after that. Chill the first batch before arrival and keep extra drinks in coolers.
Count plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery against the full guest list, then add 10% extra. Missing serving spoons and large bowls are easy to overlook when meals are prepared for a group.
For a self-catered weekend, check the venue kitchen before shopping. Confirm that it has enough large pots, frying pans, kettles, cutting boards and chef’s knives for the number of meals you plan to cook.
Pack one sleeping mat for every person without a bed, plus a few spare blankets or pillows if the venue does not provide them. Assign sleeping places before arrival so late guests know where to go.
Prepare activities for both indoor and outdoor weather. Take at least two group games, one ball or frisbee, and battery lanterns; pack extension cords and power strips only after checking where sockets are available.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a group weekend?: Plan three main meals plus breakfast and snacks for each full day. For a two-day weekend, allow at least two breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner, adjusting quantities to the confirmed guest count and dietary requirements.
How many drinks should I buy for a group weekend?: Use 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 per person per hour afterwards. Add water and non-alcoholic options for the entire weekend, and keep chilled and unchilled supplies separate.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a group weekend?: Provide one plate, bowl, mug, glass and cutlery set per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 20 people, that means 22 of each item where practical, especially if there is no dishwasher.
When should I do the shopping for a group weekend?: Buy non-perishable food, drinks, tableware and activity supplies 2–3 days before departure. Buy fresh food 1 day before, then chill drinks and load coolers as close to departure as possible.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.