What you need for a park party

A park party needs more than snacks and drinks. Plan food and beverages by guest count, then add the practical items that are easy to forget outdoors: coolers, serving utensils, reusable tableware, table coverings and power for music. Check the park’s rules before buying anything, especially for tents, waste collection and portable speakers. This checklist also helps you prepare items that should be chilled, packed separately or brought in more than one trip.

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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 80
Buffet tablesqty 3
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 50
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving boardsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable batteriesqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Table décorqty 12
Welcome sign
Conesqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 10
Spare batteriesqty 20

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 3
Frisbeesqty 4
Badminton setsqty 3
Skipping ropesqty 6
Kubb set
Picnic blanketqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Pickles - 4 jars
- Herb butter - 8 tubs
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Pasta salad - 6 kilos
- Potato salad - 5 kilos
- Mixed salad - 5 kilos
- Feta cheese - 1 kilo
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Mini sausages - 4 kilos
- Chicken skewers - 4 kilos
- Vegetarian skewers - 2 kilos
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Hamburgers - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Cheddar slices - 80 pieces
- Onions - 3 kilos
- Mushrooms - 2 kilos
- Corn on the cob - 40 pieces
- Barbecue spice mix - 4 bags
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Barbecue Charcoal - 20 kilo
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Wet wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water separately and keep enough chilled in more than one cooler.
Bring one reusable plate, bowl and glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Add serving platters, boards and serving spoons so guests do not use their own tableware for shared food.
Pack food preparation items separately from serving items: bring cutting boards, chef’s knives, measuring cups and tongs for salads, bread and toppings. Prepare anything that needs refrigeration before leaving home.
For an outdoor buffet, allow roughly one table for every 15 to 20 guests, then cover the surfaces with tablecloths. Reserve or bring seating early because picnic tables and folding chairs are often the first items to run out.
Test the music setup at home at least one day before the party. Charge rechargeable batteries, pack extension cords and power strips only if the park allows them, and download the playlist so you are not relying on mobile reception.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a park party?: Budget two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for every hour after that. Add water for the full group and keep chilled drinks in multiple coolers rather than one large container.
How much reusable tableware should I bring?: Bring one plate, bowl and glass per guest, plus 10% extra for breakage, dropped items or second servings. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each item.
How many tables and chairs do I need for a park party?: Allow one buffet or serving table for every 15 to 20 guests. Seating depends on the format, but provide a chair or picnic-table place for each guest who will eat at the same time, and reserve park furniture at least several days ahead.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a park party?: Buy non-perishable supplies two to three days ahead and chill drinks the day before. Pack coolers on the day itself, ideally one to two hours before leaving, so cold items stay cold during transport.

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