What to buy for a pétanque match

For a pétanque match, the playing equipment is only part of the shopping list. You also need enough measuring tools, scorecards and pens to keep several matches moving, plus tables, seating and clear course markings. Plan drinks and snacks around the length of the competition, and arrange shade or shelter if the forecast is uncertain. Buy or gather the items below before match day so setup is not delayed by missing small essentials.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Pétanque setsqty 12
Throw ballsqty 12
Measuring tapesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 6
Scorecardsqty 50
Pensqty 30
Course markingsqty 12
Rakesqty 4
Barrier tapeqty 2
Prizes and medalsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Outdoor lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Salami - 750 gram
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Mixed salad - 6 bags
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Quiches - 8 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Falafel - 60 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Have one pétanque set and one measuring tape available for each active playing area, plus at least one spare measuring tape for disputes or misplaced equipment. Check the boules and measuring tools before guests arrive.
Prepare one scorecard and one pen for every scheduled match, then add 10% extra. Set up scoreboards and the registration table before the first teams check in.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour and about one serving per hour afterwards. Chill drinks in coolers in advance, and make ice available separately so it does not run out early.
Plan tableware by guest count: one reusable cup per person, with at least 10% extra, and enough plates and cutlery for the snacks or buffet. Use pitchers and serving platters to keep the drinks and food table easy to refill.
Do not leave shelter and course marking until the last minute. Set up party tents, barrier tape and course markings before the match starts, and keep rakes available to level disturbed playing areas between rounds.

Frequently asked questions

How many pétanque sets do I need for a match?: Use one complete pétanque set for each playing area in use at the same time. For example, four simultaneous matches require four sets; keep one additional set or spare boules available if your budget and storage allow.
How many scorecards and pens should I buy for a pétanque match?: Prepare one scorecard and one pen per scheduled match, plus at least 10% extra. For 20 matches, take 22 scorecards and 22 pens so replacements are available.
How many drinks do I need for a pétanque match?: Plan for two to three drinks per person in the first hour, then roughly one drink per person per additional hour. Add extra water for warm weather and chill the drinks at least 3–4 hours before play.
What should I bring if it might rain during a pétanque match?: Bring party tents, barrier tape and weather-resistant course markings, and set them up before registration begins. Check the forecast 24 hours before the match and again on the morning itself so you can adjust the shelter and seating.

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