Midsummer dinner shopping list

A midsummer dinner needs more than food and drinks. Plan for outdoor seating, a buffet setup, chilled beverages, tableware, lighting and a backup space if the weather changes. Start with your confirmed guest count, then check dietary requirements before buying ingredients. This list also helps you spot the items people often arrange too late, such as coolers, extension cords, serving dishes and enough glasses.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tent
Tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tablesqty 2
Drinks bar

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 36
Dessert platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 36
Water glassesqty 36
Wine glassesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 36
Knivesqty 36
Forksqty 36
Spoonsqty 36
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving traysqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Water jugsqty 4

Decorations

Table runnersqty 5
Napkinsqty 50
Flower arrangementsqty 5
String lightsqty 4
Lanternsqty 12
LED candlesqty 24

Equipment

Barbecue or grillqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettle
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Pansqty 3
Grill tongsqty 4
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bagsqty 40
Litter pickersqty 2
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken breast - 4 kilograms
- Halloumi - 1.5 kilograms
- Vegetable burgers - 12 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Eggplants - 5 pieces
- Corn cobs - 15 pieces
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Garlic - 5 bulbs
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilograms
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Feta - 800 grams
- Parmesan cheese - 400 grams
- Fresh basil - 6 bunches
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Fresh parsley - 4 bunches
- Lemons - 15 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Oranges - 8 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Blueberries - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Peaches - 12 pieces
- Watermelon - 2 pieces
- Greek yogurt - 3 kilogram
- Whipped cream - 1.5 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 3 liters
- Mascarpone - 1 kilogram
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Ciabatta - 8 pieces
- Pita breads - 30 pieces
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Red wine vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Honey - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Garlic sauce - 1 liter
- Barbecue sauce - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 1 liter
- Mustard - 500 grams
- Salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 200 grams
- Paprika powder - 200 grams
- Cumin - 100 grams
- Oregano - 100 grams
- Chili flakes - 100 grams
- Barbecue seasoning - 200 grams
- Pine nuts - 400 grams
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Tortilla chips - 2 kilogram
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Cola - 8 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Orange soda - 4 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liters
- Still water - 18 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Ginger beer - 6 liters
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 500 grams
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Charcoal - 10 kilograms

Tips

Plan drinks by hour: allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Add extra water and use water jugs so guests do not rely only on bottled drinks.
Buy or hire tableware for the final guest count, plus at least 10% extra plates, glasses and cutlery. Dessert plates, coffee cups and serving spoons are often forgotten when the main table is planned.
Keep cold drinks in coolers before guests arrive and chill them several hours ahead. Do not leave this until the afternoon if the event starts in the evening.
For a buffet dinner, match each prepared dish with a bowl, serving platter or serving tray and a serving spoon. Set aside separate utensils for salads, dips, bread, desserts and grilled food.
Check the outdoor power plan at least one day before the dinner. Extension cords and power strips may be needed for string lights, lanterns, the coffee maker or kettle, and the barbecue or grill should be positioned before setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a midsummer dinner?: For a full dinner, plan roughly 500 to 700 grams of food per adult across the main dishes, salads, bread and dessert. Increase the amount by about 10% if guests will serve themselves from a buffet or if grilling is the main meal.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a midsummer dinner?: Buy or bring one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one water glass and one wine glass per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each frequently used item, with additional coffee cups if coffee is served.
How early should I chill drinks for an outdoor dinner?: Chill drinks for at least 4 hours before guests arrive; large bottles may need overnight chilling. Put coolers in position before setup and keep a separate supply of water available throughout the evening.
What should I buy for outdoor lighting at a midsummer dinner?: Plan string lights, lanterns or LED candles for the dining area, paths and buffet table, and test them at least one day beforehand. Check whether the venue has enough power points and buy extension cords or power strips before the event day if needed.

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