What to buy for a Mother’s Day picnic

Planning a Mother’s Day picnic means more than buying sandwiches and fruit. You also need enough seating, serving equipment, chilled drinks, tableware and shelter for changing weather. This shopping list covers the practical items for setting up a buffet, filling picnic baskets and serving food outdoors. Check guest registrations and dietary requirements before you shop, then allow time to wash, chill and prepare food before leaving.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 5
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3

Equipment

Portable speaker
Power banksqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Decorations

Flower bouquetsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Napkin holdersqty 6
Menusqty 6

Game materials

Picnic gamesqty 4
Frisbeesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bagsqty 30
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Dish spongesqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soapqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini ciabatta rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Iceberg lettuce - 5 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Avocados - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Potatoes - 4 kilo
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Quiches - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Chocolate cake - 2 cakes
- Whipped cream - 1 liter
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan food and drinks from the confirmed guest count, adding about 10% extra for shared picnic dishes and unexpected appetites. Set aside separate options for every recorded dietary requirement.
Chill drinks, desserts and other perishable food before departure. Use coolers for transport and pack serving trays with lids so food stays protected during the journey and setup.
Count tableware by guest rather than by table: one reusable plate, bowl, glass, coffee cup, knife, fork and spoon per person, plus extra serving spoons and utensils.
Do not leave shelter and seating until the last minute. Check the location layout and pack party tents, folding tables, chairs, blankets and tablecloths before loading the catering.
Pack the items that are easy to forget separately: bottle openers, napkin holders, power banks and battery lanterns. If the picnic may continue into the evening, test the portable speaker and lights before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I buy for a Mother’s Day picnic?: Use the confirmed number of guests as your base and provide several small portions per person across sandwiches, salads, quiches, snacks, fruit and dessert. Buy roughly 10% extra for shared dishes, while keeping dietary requirements separate and clearly identified.
How many drinks do I need for a Mother’s Day picnic?: Plan around 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Bring extra water, and keep drinks chilled in coolers before and during setup.
How many plates, glasses and chairs do I need for a picnic?: Provide one plate, bowl, glass, coffee cup, knife, fork and spoon per registered guest, with a few spare pieces if possible. Aim for one chair per guest and bring picnic blankets for anyone who will sit on the ground.
When should I shop for a Mother’s Day picnic?: Buy drinks, tableware, decorations and other non-perishable supplies several days beforehand. Shop for fresh food one day before the picnic, then wash produce and prepare dishes close enough to the event that they can be chilled safely.

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