What to buy for a raclette evening

A raclette evening needs more than cheese and potatoes. Plan the food per guest, then check the grills, pans, serving dishes, tableware and power supply before shopping. Potatoes can be pre-cooked, while vegetables and sauces are easiest to prepare shortly before guests arrive. This checklist also covers drinks, dessert and the small items people often remember only when the table is already set.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 28
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Dessert platesqty 30
Glassesqty 36
Cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Raclette pansqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Raclette grillsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Vegetable peelersqty 2
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Napkin holdersqty 6
Table decorationsqty 6
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Raclette cheese - 6 kg
- Potatoes - 8 kg
- Bacon cubes - 1,5 kg
- Ham - 1 kg
- Salami - 750 g
- Chicken breast - 1,5 kg
- Steak strips - 1 kg
- Vegetarian schnitzels - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kg
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Red onions - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kg
- Broccoli - 4 heads
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Pickled onions - 3 jars
- Corn - 6 cans
- Pineapple - 4 cans
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed Salad - 4 bags
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Cocktail sauce - 3 bottles
- Pesto sauce - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Apple pie - 3 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 kg
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow about 200–250 g of raclette cheese and 250–300 g of potatoes per adult. Add 150–200 g of vegetables and 100–150 g of cold meats or other toppings per person.
Buy at least one raclette pan per place at the table, plus one grill for every 6–8 guests unless the equipment instructions specify otherwise. Reserve or test the grills several days ahead.
Prepare potatoes 30–45 minutes before serving, and keep them warm in covered dishes. Wash and cut vegetables no more than a few hours in advance so they stay crisp.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and provide coolers if the refrigerator cannot hold everything.
Count plates, dessert plates, glasses, cups and cutlery for every guest, then add 10% spare pieces. Check extension cords and power strips before setting up several grills at the same table.

Frequently asked questions

How much raclette cheese do I need per person?: Plan 200–250 g of raclette cheese per adult. For a long evening or guests with large appetites, use the upper end of the range and add about 10% extra.
How many potatoes do I need for a raclette evening?: Allow 250–300 g of potatoes per person, usually 3–5 small potatoes depending on size. Pre-cook them 30–45 minutes before serving and keep them covered.
How many raclette grills do I need for 20 guests?: Plan one grill for every 6–8 guests, so 3–4 grills for 20 people unless the manufacturer gives a different capacity. Check the available sockets and extension cords before the event day.
What should I buy for a raclette evening besides food?: You need raclette pans, grills, plates, dessert plates, glasses, cups, cutlery, serving bowls and serving spoons. Also check table covers, coolers, extension cords, power strips, kitchen tools, napkins and waste bins at least 1 day before.

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