Pirate Party Shopping List

Planning a pirate party is easier when you separate the treasure hunt supplies from the food and serving gear. This checklist covers the practical items guests will use, from pirate hats and eye patches to plates, coolers and serving platters. Plan drinks for the first hour before guests arrive, and leave time to chill them. Decorations such as flags, bunting, a treasure chest and gold coins also need setting up before the welcome, not while children are arriving.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 6
Coolersqty 3

Decorations

Pirate flagsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Treasure chest
Gold coinsqty 100
Pirate mapqty 2
Decorative ship's wheel
Plastic swordsqty 12
Pirate hatsqty 20
Eye patchesqty 20
Photo backdrop

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Carafesqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 2
Kettle
Cake knife

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Sports equipment

Bean bagsqty 12
Rings of ropeqty 4
Plastic cups for the gameqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Hand brush and dustpan
Mop

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free pilsner - 12 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini bread rolls - 50 pcs
- Mini wraps - 30 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 2 kilograms
- Bananas - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Cheese straws - 3 packs
- Olives - 3 jars
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Mini Meatballs - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian balls - 1 kilogram
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Herb butter - 3 tubs
- Cake - 1 piece for 45 people
- Cupcakes - 50 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Candy coins - 2 kilograms
- Chocolate coins - 1 kilogram
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper straws - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then add roughly one drink per person for each following hour. Use coolers or carafes so chilled drinks stay available without crowding the buffet.
Buy or gather one pirate hat or eye patch per child, plus a few spare pieces. Handing out pirate cloths and costume items at the door works best when they are sorted before guests arrive.
Allow at least 30 minutes before the party to hang pirate flags and bunting, inflate balloons, and place the treasure chest, gold coins, map and ship’s wheel. Keep the treasure hunt materials together so nothing is misplaced.
For food service, plan at least one plate, fork, knife and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra. Add serving platters, tongs and spoons before preparing snacks, because these are easy to overlook when shopping.
Set aside two cutting boards, a chef’s knife and measuring cups for preparation, and use thermos flasks for hot drinks. Check dietary requirements before shopping so suitable snacks are available rather than added at the last minute.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a pirate party?: Plan food and drinks, plates, glasses, cutlery and serving equipment, plus pirate flags, bunting, balloons, hats, eye patches and a treasure chest. For the activity, include a pirate map, gold coins and any materials needed for the treasure hunt. Buy or prepare these at least 2–3 days ahead.
How many plates and cups do I need for a pirate party?: Allow one plate and one drinking glass per guest, then add 10% extra; for 20 guests, that means 22 of each. If you are serving coffee or tea, provide one coffee cup per adult and keep spare cups available.
How much food and drink should I buy for a pirate party?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one per person for every additional hour. For snacks, prepare around 6–8 small portions per child, adjusting for the party length and whether a meal is served.
When should I buy pirate party decorations and supplies?: Buy decorations, costume items and treasure hunt supplies at least 3–7 days before the party. Do the food and drink shopping 1–2 days beforehand, then chill drinks and set out tableware on the day.

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