What to buy for a read-aloud breakfast

A read-aloud breakfast needs more than books and cereal. Plan breakfast food, drinks, child-sized tableware, serving equipment and a comfortable reading corner before shopping day. Count children and adults separately, because children’s plates, cups and chairs are listed separately from the adult supplies. Add a small buffer for late arrivals and spills, and check dietary requirements before you buy anything that cannot be easily substituted.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Children’s tablesqty 6
Adult tablesqty 2
Children's chairsqty 40
Adult chairsqty 12
Blanketsqty 6

Tableware

Children's platesqty 45
Breakfast platesqty 25
Children's cupsqty 45
Glassesqty 25
Coffee cupsqty 15
Knivesqty 45
Spoonsqty 45
Teaspoonsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving bowlsqty 8
Bread basketsqty 4
Pitcherqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Lockable storage containersqty 8

Equipment

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Book table signsqty 6
Name badgesqty 55
Markersqty 12
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Catering

Picture booksqty 12
Book standsqty 3
Napkinsqty 120
Drinking strawsqty 50
Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Apple syrup - 3 jars
- Strawberry jam - 3 jars
- Cheese slices - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Mandarins - 4 kilo
- Yogurt - 6 liter
- Oatmeal - 2 kilos
- Muesli - 2 kilo
- Cornflakes - 2 packs
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Honey - 2 jars
- Semi-skimmed milk - 10 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Jam spoons - 4 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Dish brushesqty 2
Dishclothsqty 6
Spongesqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mop headsqty 2

Tips

Buy one plate, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra for spills or late arrivals. Keep children’s plates and cups separate from the adult tableware so setup is faster.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, including water and hot drinks. Chill cold drinks in coolers and fill thermos flasks before guests arrive.
Buy enough bread and toppings for one breakfast serving per person, then add about 10% extra. Use serving bowls, spoons, bread baskets and cutting boards so guests do not crowd the buffet.
Allow one chair per registered guest and leave room for the reading corner. Put out blankets before the first reader begins, rather than moving furniture once children are seated.
Check dietary requirements at least 3 days before shopping. Store special breakfast packs in lockable containers and label them clearly so they are not mixed up at the buffet.

Frequently asked questions

How much breakfast food do I need for a read-aloud breakfast?: Plan one breakfast serving per registered guest and add around 10% extra. For a two-hour event, include bread, toppings, fruit and drinks, with separate portions for any dietary requirements.
How many plates, cups and chairs do I need?: Count one plate, cup and chair for every child and adult attending, then add 10% spare tableware. Keep children’s and adult supplies separate so the buffet and tables can be set up quickly.
When should I buy the food for a read-aloud breakfast?: Buy dry goods and non-perishable supplies 2 to 3 days beforehand. Buy fresh fruit and bread the day before, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
What do I need for the reading corner?: Set aside the selected books, blankets and book table signs, with enough seating for the children expected. Check the books and materials at least 1 day before the event so missing or damaged items can be replaced.

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