What to Buy for a Networking Dinner

A networking dinner needs more than food and drinks. Plan tableware for every course, serving equipment for the buffet, coffee supplies for the final hour, and clear name badges so guests can connect easily. Buy or borrow these items early, especially tables, chairs, food warmers and coffee machines. Use your confirmed registration count as the starting point, then add a small buffer for breakages, spills and late additions.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Rectangular tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Soup bowlsqty 60
Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Dinner knivesqty 70
Dinner forksqty 70
Dessert spoonsqty 70
Coffee spoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Food warmersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Corkscrewsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Napkinsqty 100
Name badgesqty 60
Menusqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Table numbersqty 8

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 12
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken breast - 6 kilograms
- Salmon fillet - 4 kilograms
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Red lentils - 2 kilogram
- Basmati rice - 5 kilograms
- Penne - 4 kilogram
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Bread - 12 loaves
- Pita bread - 60 pieces
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Courgettes - 3 kilograms
- Eggplants - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Avocados - 20 pieces
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 2 kilograms
- Parmesan cheese - 1 kilogram
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 3 kilograms
- Yogurt - 4 kilogram
- Crème fraîche - 2 liters
- Eggs - 60 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 liter
- Mayonnaise - 2 liter
- Ketchup - 2 liters
- Mustard - 1 liter
- Tomato sauce - 5 liters
- Coconut milk - 6 liter
- Vegetable stock - 4 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Cumin - 200 grams
- Italian herbs - 200 grams
- Curry powder - 200 grams
- Chili flakes - 100 grams
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Chocolate mousse - 60 servings
- Vanilla ice cream - 6 liters
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Cookies - 4 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 2 kilograms
- Plain chips - 2 kilograms
- Salted Nuts - 2 kilograms
- Olive mix - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange soda - 8 liters
- Sparkling water - 18 liters
- Still water - 24 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Non-alcoholic beer - 30 bottles
- Pilsner - 60 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 12 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Black tea - 100 tea bags
- Herbal tea - 60 tea bags
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls

Tips

Count one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl, water glass and wine glass per guest, then add 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means 44 of each item.
Plan two forks and two knives per guest if the menu includes a starter and main course. Add at least 10 extra serving spoons and pairs of tongs for the buffet.
Allow one coffee cup and spoon per guest, plus 10% spare. For a 40-person dinner, prepare at least 44 cups and 44 coffee spoons, and check that the coffee machines and kettles can serve everyone within 30 minutes.
Keep fresh produce, desserts and chilled drinks cool until serving. Arrange coolers before shopping day and chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
Prepare name badges and printed menus before setup, not during arrival. Bring at least 10% extra badges and check extension cords before connecting coffee machines, kettles or speakers.

Frequently asked questions

How many plates and glasses do I need for a networking dinner?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, soup bowl, water glass and wine glass per registered guest, plus 10% spare. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 of each item.
How much cutlery should I buy for a networking dinner?: Allow two forks and two knives per guest when serving a starter and main course, plus one dessert spoon per guest. For 50 guests, buy or borrow at least 110 forks and knives and 55 dessert spoons.
How many name badges do I need for a networking dinner?: Prepare one name badge per confirmed guest and add 10% extra for last-minute registrations or damaged badges. For 50 guests, print at least 55 badges.
When should I chill drinks for a networking dinner?: Move drinks into coolers at least 4 hours before guests arrive so they are cold at service time. Keep backup drinks chilled throughout the evening, and avoid relying on one small cooler.

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