What you need for a Neighbour Day gathering

A Neighbour Day gathering needs more than food and drinks. Plan for serving, outdoor cooking, coffee, seating, lighting and weather protection so setup does not stall on the day. This shopping list covers the equipment and reusable supplies that are easy to overlook, including coolers, extension cords, serving utensils and coffee equipment. Confirm the final guest count before shopping, then refrigerate drinks and check deliveries as they arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable bowlsqty 80
Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Aluminum barbecue traysqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Name badgesqty 100
Markersqty 12

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Frisbeesqty 4
Skipping ropesqty 6
Conesqty 12
Board gamesqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 3
Eye-catchersqty 3
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 80 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 20 pieces
- Burger buns - 100 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Herb cheese - 6 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 8 pieces
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn - 12 cans
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Potato salad - 6 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 6 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 5 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Mini ice creams - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 6 trays
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 36 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 6 bottles
- Mustard - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 4 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 4 bottles
- Sambal - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 2 packs
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 2 jars
- Barbecue charcoal - 6 bags
- Firelighters - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Toothpicks - 4 boxes
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Biodegradable trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Liquid hair gel - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan reusable plates, bowls and cups for the final guest count, plus enough knives, forks and spoons for the meal. Keep serving spoons and tongs separate so guests do not have to use eating utensils at the buffet.
For outdoor drinks, use coolers or ice containers rather than relying on a refrigerator. Chill drinks before guests arrive and arrange at least one clearly accessible place for cold storage.
Check barbecue equipment before buying food: confirm the barbecues, aluminum barbecue trays, cutting boards, chef’s knife and serving platters are available and usable. Do this at least one day before the gathering.
Coffee service is easy to miss when the event is outdoors. Match the number of coffee cups to the guest count, and test the coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks before setup begins.
Count extension cords and power strips together with speakers, a microphone and string lights. Keep cables away from walking routes and verify the venue’s available power before bringing electrical equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What tableware do I need for Neighbour Day?: For each guest, plan one reusable plate, bowl and cup, plus one knife, fork and spoon. Add serving spoons and tongs for every buffet dish, and keep coffee cups separate from regular cups.
How much outdoor cooking equipment do I need for Neighbour Day?: The plan includes barbecues, aluminum barbecue trays, cutting boards, a chef’s knife, serving platters and serving tongs. Check all of it at least one day before the event so missing equipment can still be borrowed or replaced.
When should I buy and chill drinks for Neighbour Day?: Confirm the final number of guests before doing the shopping. Refrigerate drinks as soon as they arrive, and use coolers or ice containers if the venue does not have enough cold storage.
What should I bring for an outdoor Neighbour Day event?: Bring party tents, tables, chairs, buffet tables and tablecloths, along with string lights and the required extension cords and power strips. Check the weather forecast before setup and make sure the venue has enough power for lighting and sound.

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