What to buy for a rooftop terrace picnic

A rooftop picnic needs more than sandwiches and a few drinks. You will need food and serving equipment, enough tableware for the final guest count, and practical items for sun, wind and changing temperatures. Plan chilled drinks, fruit, snacks, bread and baked goods, then check whether the terrace provides power and furniture before you shop. This list helps you cover the items people most often remember too late, including glasses, serving tools, coolers and evening lighting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 40
Picnic blanketsqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 2
Windbreaksqty 4
Party tent

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Vasesqty 8
Flowersqty 8
Menu standsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Waste binsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Mini bake-off rolls - 80 pieces
- Whole grain baguettes - 6 pieces
- Wraps - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 1.5 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 1,5 kilogram
- Goat cheese - 750 grams
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Smoked salmon - 750 grams
- Falafel - 1.5 kilograms
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 3 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Mixed lettuce - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Melons - 3 pieces
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Balsamic vinegar - 500 milliliters
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 750 milliliters
- Pesto - 500 grams
- Mustard - 500 milliliter
- Salt - 250 grams
- Black pepper - 100 grams
- Paprika powder - 100 grams
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Fresh basil - 6 bunches
- Yogurt - 2 kilograms
- Granola - 1 kilogram
- Whipped cream - 1 liter
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted sticks - 3 bags
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Beer - 4 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Storage containers - 20 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Count plates, bowls, glasses and sets of cutlery against the final guest number, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each frequently used item.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive and keep a separate supply of water available.
Buy or bring serving spoons, tongs, platters and cutting boards as well as the food. Guests cannot serve salads, fruit or baked goods neatly with standard forks and knives.
Rooftops become windy and exposed quickly. Arrange windbreaks and a party tent or sunshades before shopping for decorations, and confirm the terrace rules and anchoring options at least one day ahead.
If the picnic continues after sunset, prepare string lights or LED lanterns and check the power route before the event. Pack extension cords and power strips only where the building permits them, and keep cables away from walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

How much food should I buy for a rooftop picnic?: For a meal-style picnic, plan roughly 400–600 g of food per person, including bread, salads, fruit, snacks and baked goods. Add about 10% extra when the guest count or appetites are uncertain.
How many drinks do I need for a rooftop picnic?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for each additional hour. Include water for every guest and chill drinks in coolers before setup begins.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery items do I need?: Use one place setting per guest plus 10% spare items. For 20 people, prepare at least 22 plates, bowls, drinking glasses, forks, knives and spoons, with extra serving utensils.
When should I check the rooftop weather and wind?: Check the forecast 48 hours before the picnic and again on the morning itself. Confirm the wind and rain plan at least one day ahead, especially if you need a party tent, sunshades, windbreaks or rooftop lighting.

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