Halloween Party Shopping List

Use this list to buy and bring everything needed for a Halloween party, from pumpkins and tableware to drinks, lighting and serving equipment. Plan quantities from your final guest list rather than guessing at the checkout. For food and drinks, allow extra for late arrivals and dietary requirements, then chill refrigerated items on the day. Non-perishable groceries and decorations can be bought several days ahead, while fresh snacks and ice should wait until the final 24 hours.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Clothing rackqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Decorations

Halloween pumpkinsqty 12
Artificial spider websqty 6
Plastic spidersqty 30
Halloween balloonsqty 80
Orange tableclothsqty 8
Black tableclothsqty 4
Halloween figuresqty 10
Decorative ribbonqty 6

Lighting

LED tea lightsqty 40
LED string lightsqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4

Activities

Pumpkin spoonsqty 8
Children's apronsqty 12
Paintbrushesqty 20
Acrylic paint setsqty 8
Craft table runnersqty 4
Trophiesqty 3
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Hot chocolate - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cheese and onion chips - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 kilograms
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Mini pizza margherita - 10 boxes
- Mini vegetarian pizza - 4 boxes
- Mini hot dogs - 6 cans
- Hot dog buns - 60 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Mandarins - 50 pieces
- Ghost cookies - 6 packs
- Halloween cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Gummy worms - 5 bags
- Lollipops - 80 pieces
- Mini chocolates - 4 bags
- Liquorice mix - 3 bags
- Marshmallows - 3 bags
- Nut-free snack bars - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a mix of soft drinks and other options, and keep chilled drinks in coolers before guests arrive.
Plan one reusable plate, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for replacements and late arrivals. Count serving bowls, platters and tongs separately so buffet food does not need to share utensils.
Buy one pumpkin for each carving or decoration activity, and provide one pumpkin spoon and children's apron per child taking part. Prepare the pumpkins before the party if the activity is not part of the programme.
Use at least one waste bin near the buffet and another near the welcome or seating area. Put spare tableware, napkins and rubbish bags where the team can reach them without leaving the party area.
Check every extension cord, power strip, kettle, speaker and LED light before setup day. Keep lighting and sound cables away from walkways, and buy or collect any missing equipment at least 48 hours before the party.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Halloween party?: For a snack-style party, plan around 6 to 8 savoury or sweet portions per guest, plus a small buffer of 10%. Add clearly labelled alternatives after collecting dietary requirements, rather than buying the same amount of every option.
How many drinks should I buy for a Halloween party?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for every hour after that. Add about 10% extra for unexpected guests, and chill the drinks on the day using coolers or refrigerated storage.
When should I buy Halloween decorations and pumpkins?: Buy decorations, artificial spider webs, balloons, ribbons and LED lights 3 to 7 days before the party. Purchase pumpkins 1 to 3 days ahead if they will be carved, then prepare them close enough to the event that they still look fresh.
How many plates and cups do I need for a Halloween party?: Start with one plate and one cup per guest, one cutlery set per guest, and 10% extra of each for replacements. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 plates, 33 cups and 33 cutlery sets.

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