What to Buy and Bring for a Peace Picnic

A Peace Picnic needs more than sandwiches and a blanket. Plan food and drinks for the final guest count, then add the practical items that keep serving, seating and waste under control. Reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery reduce rubbish, while coolers and water jugs keep drinks accessible. Shade, clear allergen labels, information boards and tested power supplies are easy to overlook, so arrange them before shopping day rather than during setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 60
Picnic blanketsqty 12
Buffet tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable bowlsqty 70
Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Water jugsqty 8

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Rechargeable power banksqty 4

Decorations

Peace flagsqty 8
Paper garlandsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Information boardsqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 3

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 10

Sports equipment

Frisbeesqty 4
Outdoor gamesqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Dustpans and brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Bread rolls - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Red peppers - 12 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Celery - 1 kilogram
- Chickpeas - 12 cans
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Corn - 8 cans
- Red onion - 2 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1.5 kilograms
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan food portions from the final guest count, and prepare a mix of snacks, salads and sandwiches rather than relying on one dish. Collect dietary requirements before buying ingredients and label allergens before the buffet opens.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers and keep extra water in water jugs so guests do not have to queue at one table.
Match reusable plates, bowls, cups and cutlery to the guest count, then add serving spoons for every shared dish. Bring cutting boards, kitchen knives and serving platters if food will be prepared or portioned at the picnic.
Plan seating and shade from the number of guests, not from the food table alone. Picnic blankets, folding chairs, tables and party tents should be ready before food arrives, especially if the forecast is hot or changeable.
Test portable speakers, wireless microphones, extension cords and power strips before leaving for the venue. Fully charge power banks, and use information boards or chalkboards for the schedule, directions and dietary notes.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Peace Picnic?: Use the final guest count and plan about 5 to 7 small savoury portions per person for a meal-style picnic, plus fruit or other snacks. Prepare the food no more than 4 hours before serving and keep perishable items chilled.
How many drinks should I buy for a Peace Picnic?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by around one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as other drinks, and chill the first supply at least 3 hours before guests arrive.
What serving items are needed for a Peace Picnic?: Bring one reusable plate, bowl, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus at least one serving spoon for each shared dish. Pack serving platters, cutting boards and kitchen knives if food needs to be sliced or transferred on site.
What should I arrange before shopping for a Peace Picnic?: Confirm the guest count, dietary requirements, location, date and permit before buying food or equipment. Check the weather forecast 24 to 48 hours ahead so you can confirm party tents, blankets and other shelter needs.

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