What you need for an ice skating party

An ice skating party needs more than skates and a cake. Plan food and drinks for the time guests spend off the ice, plus cups, plates and serving equipment for quick breaks. Check skate sizes and reserve enough pairs before sending final reminders, especially when children are attending. You will also need a simple check-in setup, somewhere for coats and clearly marked equipment such as helmets, skating aids and hockey gear.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Coat racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 50

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Phone chargersqty 2

Sports equipment

Ice skatingqty 50
Ice hockey helmetsqty 10
Skating aidsqty 4
Conesqty 12
Puckqty 4
Hockey sticksqty 8
Wristbandsqty 60

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 tin
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Mini rolls - 80 pieces
- White bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Brown rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Allow at least 2 reusable cups, 1 plate and 1 cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements or spills. Put serving bowls and spoons out before the first break.
Plan 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in advance and use coolers if the venue has limited refrigeration.
Collect each skater’s shoe size no later than 7 days before the party and reserve skates in those sizes. Bring a small buffer of common sizes if the rink allows it.
Pack helmets, skating aids, cones and hockey equipment separately from food and decorations. Count every item before leaving and again when the session ends.
Prepare the check-in area with wristbands, a participant list and phone chargers. Bring extension cords and power strips for the speaker, chargers and other equipment, but confirm venue rules before plugging anything in.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups and plates do I need for an ice skating party?: Plan 2 cups, 1 plate and 1 cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 44 cups, 22 plates and 22 cutlery sets.
How far in advance should I reserve skates for a party?: Collect skate sizes and reserve the skates at least 7 days before the event. Confirm the booking again 2 to 3 days beforehand, particularly if the party is during a busy session.
How much food and drink should I buy for an ice skating party?: For drinks, allow 2 to 3 per person in the first hour and 1 per person for every additional hour. For a 2-hour party, prepare roughly 3 to 4 drinks per guest, plus snacks for one serving during the break.
What equipment do I need for an ice skating party?: Besides skates, prepare helmets, skating aids and cones for beginners; add hockey sticks and a puck only if a hockey activity is planned. Bring wristbands for check-in and allow 15 to 20 minutes before skating starts to distribute equipment.

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