What to buy for a Jubilee Mass and reception

A Jubilee Mass with a reception needs more than food and drinks. You will need serving equipment, coffee supplies, tableware, cooling space and a few practical items for guests and volunteers. Use the confirmed guest number to scale the quantities, then check what the church or reception venue already provides. This list also helps you spot items that are often left until the day before, such as ice, name badges, extension cords and extra serving utensils.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 90
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 90
Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 90
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Flower arrangementsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Napkin holdersqty 10
Festive garlandsqty 8
Welcome sign
Name badgesqty 90

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Table lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Coffee milk - 6 packs
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Mild aged cheese - 2,5 kilograms
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast topping - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Pears - 30 pieces
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Anniversary cake - 2 cakes
- Petit fours - 100 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as any other drinks being served.
For a light reception, allow 4–6 savoury pieces per guest, plus 1–2 sweet items if dessert is included. Order or buy 10% extra so late registrations and larger portions do not leave the buffet short.
Allow 1 plate, 1 cup, 1 water glass, 1 wine glass and 1 cutlery set per guest, then add at least 10% spare. Serving platters and tongs are separate from guest tableware and are commonly forgotten.
For coffee and tea, prepare one hot drink per guest for a short reception and up to two per guest for a longer one. Check that you have enough coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, cups, sugar, milk and teaspoons before shopping.
Check equipment at least 48 hours before the Mass and reception. Test microphones and speakers, count extension cords and power strips, and arrange coolers, ice, tablecloths, name badges and a welcome sign before the setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Jubilee Mass reception?: For a light buffet, plan 4–6 savoury pieces per guest and add 1–2 sweet items per guest if needed. Buy or order roughly 10% extra, especially when the final registration number may change.
How many drinks should I buy for a church reception?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, including water, and about 1 additional drink per person for each extra hour. Chill the drinks several hours before guests arrive, not just during setup.
How much tableware do I need for the reception?: Start with one plate, cup, water glass, wine glass and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% spare. For 80 guests, that means at least 88 of each item where applicable, plus serving platters and tongs.
When should I check the Jubilee Mass shopping list?: Do a full stock check 48 hours before the event and complete the shopping at least one day before. Leave only fresh food preparation, drink chilling and coffee setup for the event day.

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