What to buy for a nursing home open house

A nursing home open house needs more than coffee and printed invitations. Visitors may arrive in groups, stay for a tour and join activities, so your shopping list must cover refreshments, serving equipment, seating and clear presentation areas. Plan quantities around your expected registrations, residents and volunteers. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and leave time to collect fresh produce and chilled items on the day or the day before.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 100
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Wheelchair-accessible tablesqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 120
Glassesqty 150
Platesqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Forksqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2
Registration tabletsqty 2
Conesqty 12
Wheelchair rampsqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Name badgesqty 120
Pensqty 30
Program standsqty 8
Photo framesqty 12

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon tea - 4 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple pie - 6 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Mini sandwiches - 180 pieces
- White casino bread - 6 loaves
- Brown casino loaf bread - 6 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell pepper - 1 kilo
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mini quiches - 100 pieces
- Bitterballen - 150 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 150 pieces
- Paper plates - 150
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- Gloves - 4 boxes
- Diet-free cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Sugar-free cookies - 4 packs

Tips

Plan 2 to 3 drinks per visitor for the first hour, then allow 1 additional drink per person for each following hour. Include coffee, tea and water rather than relying on one option.
Buy at least 1 plate, cup, glass, knife, fork and spoon per expected guest, plus a 10% reserve. A group of 50 visitors therefore needs about 55 of each item.
Provide enough seating for residents and visitors who cannot stand during tours or activities. Include wheelchair-accessible tables and keep at least one clear route to every activity area.
Check dietary requirements before purchasing food, ideally 3 to 5 days before the open house. Label special dishes separately and use different serving tongs to avoid mix-ups.
Test the laptop, projector, speakers and wireless microphones at least 1 day in advance. Bring extra extension cords and power strips, and keep cables away from tour routes and emergency exits.

Frequently asked questions

How much coffee do I need for a nursing home open house?: Plan around 2 cups per person for the first hour, then 1 cup for each additional hour. For 50 visitors, prepare at least 100 cups for the first hour and keep extra coffee available for residents, volunteers and staff.
How many plates and cups should I buy for an open house?: Allow 1 of each item per expected guest plus a 10% reserve. For 50 guests, prepare about 55 plates, cups, glasses, knives, forks and spoons.
When should I buy food for a nursing home open house?: Buy packaged and non-perishable items 3 to 5 days beforehand. Collect fresh produce and other chilled items on the day before or the morning of the open house, depending on storage space.
How many chairs are needed for a nursing home open house?: Provide one chair for every resident who may attend and for visitors who need to sit during activities or tours. As a practical starting point, seat at least 30% of expected visitors and add more where the programme includes presentations or long waiting times.

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