What you need for a household market

A household market needs more than tables and items for sale. You also need a reliable way to take payments, keep drinks cool, label prices and guide visitors around the stalls. Plan supplies for the number of vendors and expected visitors, then add a small buffer for breakages and last-minute needs. Buy or gather non-perishable items first, and leave chilled drinks and fresh refreshments until the day before or the morning of the market.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Party tentsqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Folding benchesqty 4
Stall tableclothsqty 12
Table clampsqty 24
Storage cratesqty 12

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Pouring jugsqty 4
Washing-up bowlsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Table signsqty 14
Chalkboardsqty 4
Notice boardsqty 2
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Market postersqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Coffeeqty 2
Teaqty 2
Sugar sticksqty 100
Milkqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Paper Plates - 100 pieces
- Paper cutlery sets - 100 pieces
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Cheese sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Ham sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Mixed cookies - 4 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
Water jugsqty 6
Sugar bowlsqty 3
Milk jugsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Coolersqty 3

Tips

Plan one table or clothes rack per vendor where possible, then keep at least one spare table available for shared information, payments or overflow. Secure tablecloths with clamps so they do not lift in wind.
Allow two to three drinks per visitor for the first hour, plus extra water for volunteers. Chill drinks the day before and use coolers or thermos flasks so serving does not depend on a nearby fridge.
Prepare price tags, table numbers and route signs before the market day. Bring at least 10% more labels than you expect to use, because prices and stall assignments often change during setup.
For card payments, provide one card machine per active payment point and bring a calculator, extension cords and power strips. Check every outlet during the site visit and keep one charging option available for the busiest area.
Pack washing-up bowls, serving spoons, cutting boards, bread knives and pouring jugs if food or drinks are served. These items are easy to overlook because they are usually taken from a kitchen only on the morning itself.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a household market?: Plan for stall furniture, table coverings, clothes racks, storage crates, payment equipment, price labels, route signs and refreshments. For each vendor, allow one main display surface and add at least one spare table for shared use.
How many drinks do I need for a household market?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly one drink per person for every additional hour. Add 10% extra for volunteers, warm weather and unexpected visitors.
When should I prepare the household market shopping list?: Make the first list at least two weeks before the market, when the vendor count and layout are clearer. Buy non-perishable supplies one week ahead and chill drinks the day before.
What payment supplies are needed at a household market?: Bring at least one card machine for each payment point, plus a calculator and suitable power leads. Test the card machines and charging equipment no later than the day before, and keep a backup payment method ready.

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.