What you need for Neighbour Day

A Neighbour Day shopping list has to cover more than food and drinks. You may need equipment for cooking and coffee, reusable tableware for serving, coolers for drinks, and enough tables, chairs and waste bins for the full group. Check the participant list and dietary requirements before shopping. Non-perishable supplies can be set out early, but drinks should be chilled in time and gas cylinders, extension cords and rented tents should be checked before setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Beer tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 3
Welcome table
Waste binsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Mugsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 80
Chalkboardsqty 4
Sidewalk chalkqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 10
Lanternsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Volleyball
Badminton setsqty 4
Skipping ropesqty 6
Hoopsqty 6
Conesqty 20
Cornhole boardsqty 2
Game cardsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Cable matsqty 6
Barrier tapeqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Green tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Whipped cream - 4 aerosol cans
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Salami - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Corn - 12 cans
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Pasta salad - 5 kilos
- Raw vegetable salad - 4 kilo
- Baby potatoes - 8 kilo
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Satay sauce - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Vinegar - 1 bottle
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Cheese sticks - 4 packs
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 5 trays
- Cupcakes - 60 pieces
- Apple pies - 3 pieces
- Vegan cake - 1 piece
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Barbecue skewers - 100 pieces
- Matches - 2 boxes
- Coffee filters - 2 packs

Tips

Plan tableware from the final participant list, then add a small buffer so you are not short on reusable plates, bowls, glasses, mugs and cutlery when items are being washed or used at several tables.
Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive. Use coolers rather than relying only on a refrigerator, especially when the event is outdoors or the serving area is away from the kitchen.
Check cooking equipment before shopping for ingredients: barbecues need matching gas cylinders, and coffee machines and kettles need a safe power supply with suitable extension cords.
Set aside separate serving equipment for the buffet, including serving spoons, tongs, platters, cutting boards and knives. This prevents guests from using preparation tools while food is still being made.
Count seating and surfaces by function, not just by guest. Allow space for a welcome table, buffet tables, eating tables, coat racks and waste bins before deciding what can fit at the venue.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for Neighbour Day?: Plan for drinks, food service, reusable plates, bowls, glasses, cups, mugs and cutlery, plus serving utensils. For an outdoor event, also check coolers, tables, chairs, waste bins, tents, cooking equipment and power supplies.
How many drinks do I need for Neighbour Day?: For the first hour, allow around 2 to 3 drinks per person, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Add extra water and allow more if the event is outdoors or lasts longer than 3 hours.
How early should I shop for a neighbourhood party?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check equipment at least 2 to 3 days beforehand. Buy fresh food closer to the event, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
What equipment is easy to forget for Neighbour Day?: Gas cylinders, extension cords, coolers, serving tongs, coffee cups, waste bins and coat racks are often missed. Check these items at least 1 day before setup, not when guests are already arriving.

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