What to Buy for a Jubilee Party

A jubilee party needs more than food and drinks. Plan for the full flow of the event: serving a meal, cutting cake, making coffee, welcoming guests and keeping speeches and music audible. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies behind those moments, including tableware, cooling, buffet service, lighting and decorations. Check what the venue already provides before buying or hiring anything, especially tables, chairs, power equipment and glasses.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 6
Table skirtsqty 8

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 75
Dessert platesqty 75
Coffee cupsqty 70
Water glassesqty 80
Wine glassesqty 80
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Dinner cutlery setsqty 75
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 5

Lighting

String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon arch set
Buntingqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 70
Table numbersqty 8
Photo backdrop
Reusable photo propsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Rosé wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 bags
- Pasta salad - 8 kilo
- Potato salad - 6 kilos
- Mixed salad - 6 kilo
- Vegan meal portions - 6 pieces
- Vegetarian meal portions - 8 pieces
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Mini pastries - 80 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count tableware against your final guest list, then add about 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means 55 dinner plates, dessert plates, water glasses and cutlery sets so breakage or an unexpected guest does not stop service.
Plan drinks in two cooling zones: keep roughly two-thirds ready in coolers and chill the rest as backup. Add thermos flasks for hot drinks if coffee or tea will be served away from the coffee machines and kettles.
Use one serving platter or bowl for each main buffet item and at least one serving spoon or pair of tongs per dish. Put cutting boards, chef’s knives and bread knives with the buffet supplies rather than leaving them in the kitchen.
Check the room’s power layout before bringing active speakers, wireless microphones, string lights and a music player. Pack extension cords and power strips sized for the setup, and test the sound system before guests arrive.
Buy decorations to match the actual layout, not just the room size. A balloon arch set, balloons and bunting need a clear fixing point, while table skirts should be counted by table length; confirm those measurements at least one week ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a jubilee party?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one water glass and one cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 50 guests, prepare 55 of each core item; wine glasses and coffee cups depend on the drinks programme.
How much cooling equipment is needed for a jubilee party?: Use enough cooler capacity for the drinks required during the first service period, with around two-thirds chilled before guests arrive and the rest held as backup. Chill drinks several hours in advance, and check the coolers at least one day before the party.
What equipment do I need for speeches and music at a jubilee party?: Plan on active speakers, a music player and wireless microphones when speeches or announcements are part of the programme. Bring extension cords and power strips, then test every microphone and speaker at least 60 minutes before guests arrive.
When should I buy decorations and party supplies?: Buy or reserve non-perishable supplies such as balloons, bunting, table skirts and serving equipment at least one week ahead. Complete the final quantity check after registrations and dietary requirements close, usually 3–7 days before the party.

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