What to buy for a King’s Day celebration

A King’s Day celebration needs more than orange decorations and drinks. You’ll need a workable setup for serving food, keeping beverages cold, making coffee, powering the sound system and handling a sudden shower. Use the guest count and program length to set quantities, then check dietary requirements before shopping. Buy or collect disposable essentials and backup supplies at least two days ahead; fresh food and ice can wait until the day before.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 120
Reusable bowlsqty 80
Reusable cupsqty 180
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 80
Knivesqty 120
Forksqty 120
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

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

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 4

Decorations

Dutch flagsqty 12
Orange buntingqty 10
Orange balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Orange table decorationsqty 12
Program postersqty 8
Route signsqty 10
Arrow stickersqty 30

Sports equipment

Orange conesqty 20
Hoopsqty 8
Soft ballsqty 12
Tug of war rope
Trash bagsqty 12
Chalkqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 30
Prizesqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mops and bucketsqty 3
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Beer - 10 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Herb butter - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Party snacks - 4 kilos
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Prawn crackers - 4 bags
- Mini frikandels - 5 kilos
- Mini cheese soufflés - 4 kilo
- Vegetarian snacks - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 kilos
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Vinegar - 1 bottle
- Spice mix - 3 bags
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet freshener - 4 pieces
- Nitrile gloves - 200 pieces
- Diet-friendly sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Allergen labels - 1 pack

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water, especially if guests will be outside or taking part in games.
Count reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery against the registration list, then add 10% spare. For a group of 50, that means 55 of each frequently used item rather than exactly 50.
Allow one coffee cup per expected coffee drinker per round, plus at least 10 spare cups. Arrange coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks before guests arrive so the queue does not block the buffet.
Buy ice or prepare coolers for the full serving period, not just arrival. Keep separate space for drinks and food, and check that every cooler is clean before filling it.
Check the power plan before collecting speakers, microphones and the mixer. Take extension cords and power strips long enough to reach the sound position, and keep the rain program in mind when placing them.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for King’s Day?: For drinks, plan two to three per person in the first hour and one per person for every hour after that. Food depends on the program, but for a snack-style celebration allow about four to six savoury portions per guest, plus water and non-alcoholic options.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a King’s Day party?: Use one set per registered guest and add 10% spare. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 cups, plates and sets of cutlery; add extra bowls if you are serving several snacks or dishes.
When should I do the King’s Day shopping?: Buy drinks, packaged food, tableware and equipment two to three days beforehand. Get fresh food and ice the day before, and do a final count of coolers, serving ware and power cables on the morning of the celebration.
What do I need for an outdoor King’s Day celebration if it rains?: Have party tents or another covered area ready before the event, plus tables that can be moved indoors or under cover. Decide on the rain program at least one day in advance and keep electrical equipment off wet ground throughout the celebration.

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