What to buy for an olive oil tasting

For an olive oil tasting, the oils are only part of the shopping list. You also need enough sample glasses, water, bread, plates, serving equipment, and printed tasting forms for the final number of guests. Buy or borrow tableware before ordering food, and keep the bottles in a cool, dark place until setup. This checklist also covers the small items people often arrange too late, such as name badges, table numbers, extension cords, and drink service.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Sample glassesqty 300
Water glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 8
Olive oil bottlesqty 8
Dropper bottlesqty 8

Equipment

Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Name card holdersqty 50
Table numbersqty 8
Menu boardsqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up basinsqty 3
Mop set
Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Test formsqty 60
Ballpoint pensqty 60
Groceries
- Extra virgin olive oil, mild - 2 bottles
- Extra virgin olive oil, fruity - 2 bottles
- Extra virgin olive oil, spicy - 2 bottles
- Extra virgin olive oil, bitter - 2 bottles
- Flavored olive oil - 2 bottles
- Organic olive oil - 2 bottles
- White sourdough bread - 8 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Ciabatta - 6 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 1 kilo
- Plain hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Tapenade - 1 kilo
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Green olives - 1 kilo
- Black olives - 1 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Red bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Celery - 3 stalks
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Green apples - 30 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Unsalted crackers - 8 packs
- Sea salt - 500 grams
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Fresh basil - 8 bunches
- Fresh rosemary - 4 bunches
- Still mineral water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free white wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Plan one sample glass per oil for each tasting place, plus a few spare glasses for breakage or replacements. Keep water glasses separate so guests do not confuse them with tasting glasses.
Order the olive oils and tasting forms as soon as the producer list and guest count are confirmed. For a formal tasting, label or number each bottle and prepare the tasting order before guests arrive.
Buy bread for palate cleansing and simple snacks, then provide plates, bowls, cutting boards, and bread knives for serving. Slice some bread shortly before the tasting so it does not dry out.
Allow at least one water serving per guest during the tasting and chill other drinks ahead of time. Use coolers or thermos flasks if drinks need to stay cold or hot while the tables are in use.
Check practical equipment the day before: the coffee maker, kettle, speaker, extension cords, and power strips. Prepare name badges, table numbers, and menu boards before setup so the registration desk is not left waiting.

Frequently asked questions

How many tasting glasses do I need per person?: Use one sample glass for each oil per guest if you want guests to compare oils side by side. Add at least 10% spare glasses, so a tasting for 20 people with 5 oils needs 110 sample glasses.
How much bread should I buy for an olive oil tasting?: Plan about 100 to 150 grams of bread per guest when bread is mainly used between samples, and add 10% extra for trimming and seconds. For 20 guests, that is roughly 2.2 to 3.3 kilograms.
How far in advance should I buy olive oil for a tasting?: Order the oils at least 1 to 2 weeks before the tasting, especially if they come from different producers. Once they arrive, store them unopened in a cool, dark place and avoid leaving them near heat or direct sunlight.
What should I prepare for the tasting table?: Set out sample glasses, water glasses, plates, bowls, serving spoons, tasting forms, and any table numbers before guests enter. Finish the table setup at least 30 minutes before registration so you have time to test lighting and sound.

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