What to bring to an interfaith picnic

An interfaith picnic needs more than food and a blanket. Plan for shared serving, different dietary requirements, shade, seating, and conversations between people who may not know each other. This checklist covers the equipment and supplies that are easy to overlook, from separate containers for diet meals to enough cups, water jugs, and name badges. Use the confirmed participant count to adjust quantities before you shop, and keep weather-dependent items ready until the forecast is reliable.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Parasolsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Picnic blanketsqty 20
Buffet tablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 90
Reusable bowlsqty 90
Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12
Coffee cupsqty 60

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 8
Food tongsqty 10
Aluminum foilqty 3
Food storage containersqty 20

Equipment

Kettlesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speakersqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 10

Decorations

Tablecloth setsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Conversation cardsqty 30
Pennant garlandsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpans and brushesqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Falafel - 4 kilograms
- Feta - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Mozzarella - 1,5 kilogram
- Halal chicken breast - 3 kilogram
- Canned tuna - 12 cans
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Mixed salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 50 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Multi-fruit juice - 6 packs
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one reusable plate, bowl, cup, and set of cutlery per participant, plus 10% extra for replacements and food that needs separate serving.
Allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Bring coolers, water jugs, and thermos flasks so cold and hot drinks remain available.
Keep dietary meals in separate, clearly identified food storage containers and use separate serving spoons. Pack them separately from shared salads, bread, and platters to prevent mix-ups.
For an outdoor picnic, provide shade and seating for every registered guest: use party tents or parasols, foldable tables, folding chairs, and picnic blankets rather than relying on open ground alone.
Prepare one name badge and one conversation card per participant, with at least 10% extra. Check language needs before printing or buying materials so guests can participate comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for an interfaith picnic?: Base quantities on the final participant list. For drinks, allow 2 to 3 per person in the first hour and 1 per person for every hour after that; buy extra water for warm weather. Plan separate portions for every recorded dietary requirement rather than assuming shared dishes will suit everyone.
What should I bring for dietary requirements at an interfaith picnic?: Prepare each special meal in a separate, labelled container and pack it separately from the shared food. Confirm dietary requirements no later than 7 days before the picnic, then check the labels again when setting out the buffet.
How many picnic tables and chairs do I need?: Provide one seat per registered participant, with picnic blankets as additional seating rather than the only option. As a practical starting point, allow one foldable table for about 6 to 8 people, then add buffet tables so food is not placed on dining tables.
What outdoor equipment is easy to forget for an interfaith picnic?: Pack shade, coolers, extension cords, power strips, and weather-safe lighting at least one day before the event. Bring serving tongs and spoons, coffee cups, thermos flasks, foil, storage containers, name badges, and conversation cards; these are often missed when shopping focuses only on food.

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.