What to Buy for a Halloween Party

A Halloween party needs more than snacks and costumes. This shopping list covers the serving equipment, drinks setup, lighting, decorations and kitchen items needed for a buffet-style party with games and music. Plan quantities from your guest count, then add a small buffer for cups, plates and popular snacks. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and test lights, extension cords and the speaker at least one day before the party.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Clothing rack

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Food warmersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED candlesqty 24

Decorations

Plastic spider webqty 6
Decorative spidersqty 30
Halloween balloonsqty 50
Halloween buntingqty 6
Plastic pumpkinsqty 8
Decorative skullsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Costume accessoriesqty 40
Prizes for gamesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Mini pizzas - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dogs - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian hot dogs - 10 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Grated cheese - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Crispy fried onions - 2 bags
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Candy mix - 4 kilos
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Halloween cookies - 60 pieces
- Mini muffins - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the first supply early and keep backup drinks in coolers.
Buy or set aside one reusable plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item to cover drops and replacements.
For a buffet, allow one serving platter or bowl for every main dish or snack, and buy serving spoons or tongs for each dish. Prepare separate boards and knives if vegetables need cutting.
Use at least two lighting options: LED string lights for general atmosphere and LED candles around pumpkins or decorations. Check extension cords and power strips before hanging anything.
Set up a clothing rack for costume accessories and keep prizes for the games separate from the food shopping. Buy prizes at least three days ahead so a missing item does not affect the party.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I buy for a Halloween party?: For a two- to three-hour party, plan about 6 to 8 snack-sized portions per guest, plus a more filling buffet option if the event overlaps dinner. Add 10% extra for popular dishes and check dietary requirements before finalising quantities.
How many drinks do I need for a Halloween party?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one per person for every hour after that. For 20 guests over three hours, plan roughly 80 to 100 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic options.
How many plates, cups and cutlery sets do I need?: Buy one set per guest plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, prepare 22 plates, bowls, cups and cutlery sets, with extra serving spoons and tongs for every buffet dish.
When should I buy Halloween party decorations and equipment?: Buy decorations, prizes and disposable backups at least one week before the party. Test the Bluetooth speaker, lights, smoke machine, extension cords and power strips at least 24 hours in advance.

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