What to Buy for a Mediterranean Themed Dinner

A Mediterranean dinner needs more than ingredients for the menu. Plan for serving platters, separate plates for dinner and dessert, glasses for water and wine, and enough kitchen tools to prep and serve without queues. Buy non-perishable groceries and drinks first, then pick up fresh vegetables and other chilled items close to the dinner. Check dietary requirements before finalising quantities, and clear refrigerator space early so drinks and prepared food can be cooled safely.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Serving trolley

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Deep platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Water glassesqty 50
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Coffee spoonsqty 50

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 5
Chef's knivesqty 5
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 2
Cling filmqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Food warmersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker

Decorations

Table runnersqty 6
Napkinsqty 100
LED string lightsqty 4
Candle holdersqty 12
Theme boardsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dishpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Ciabatta - 8 pieces
- Breadsticks - 4 packs
- Olive mix - 2 kilograms
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Pesto green - 4 jars
- Red pesto - 3 jars
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Feta - 1,5 kilogram
- Mozzarella - 2 kilograms
- Parmesan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Bell peppers - 15 pieces
- Zucchini - 12 pieces
- Eggplants - 10 Pieces
- Red onions - 3 kilogram
- Garlic - 8 bulbs
- Lemons - 15 pieces
- Fresh basil - 10 bunches
- Fresh parsley - 6 bunches
- Rosemary - 4 bunches
- Chicken breast - 5 kilograms
- Salmon fillet - 3 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Lasagne sheets - 4 packs
- Penne - 4 kilogram
- Diced tomatoes - 12 cans
- Passata - 6 bottles
- Tomato paste - 6 cans
- Cooking cream - 4 liters
- Vegetable bouillon - 10 cubes
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Red wine vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Oregano - 2 pots
- Dried basil - 2 jars
- Chili flakes - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mascarpone - 2 kilogram
- Whipped cream - 3 liters
- Ladyfingers - 8 packs
- Cocoa powder - 500 gram
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- White wine - 10 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Honey - 1 jar
- Coffee sugar - 1 pack
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Buy non-perishable groceries and drinks several days ahead; leave fresh vegetables and other chilled ingredients for the final 24–48 hours so they stay crisp.
Allow two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, then one drink per hour, and chill them at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
For a seated dinner, count one dinner plate, one deep plate if soup or a saucy course is served, and one dessert plate per guest, plus 10% spare.
Set aside at least one serving platter, serving spoon and pair of serving tongs for each main dish or shared side, so dishes do not need to be passed around the table.
Clear refrigerator space 24 hours before the dinner and prepare sauces, dressings and cut vegetables in covered containers; use cling film or foil to label and protect them.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a Mediterranean themed dinner?: Buy the planned menu ingredients, drinks, serving platters, serving spoons and tongs, dinner and dessert plates, water and wine glasses, napkins and table decorations. Add kitchen basics such as cutting boards, chef’s knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, cling film and aluminum foil.
How much tableware do I need for a Mediterranean dinner?: Plan one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one water glass, one wine glass, one fork and one knife per guest, plus at least 10% spare. Add deep plates and spoons only if the menu includes soup, stew or another liquid course.
When should I buy groceries for a Mediterranean dinner?: Buy dry goods, drinks and other non-perishables 3–7 days beforehand. Buy fresh vegetables and other chilled groceries 1–2 days before the dinner, then wash and cut produce on the day itself.
How early should I chill drinks for dinner?: Put drinks in the refrigerator or coolers at least 4 hours before guests arrive. For a large quantity, start the day before and use coolers so food and drinks do not take over the refrigerator.

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.