What you need for a St. John's Fire
A St. John's Fire needs more than firewood and matches. Plan for hot drinks, chilled drinks, snacks, serving equipment, lighting, seating and clear safety boundaries. Dry firewood and kindling should be ordered early, while chilled goods and ice are best bought close to the event. This shopping list also covers the practical items people often forget, including reusable cups, extension cords, directional signs and fire extinguishers.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 2
- Foldable tablesqty 8
- Folding chairsqty 80
- Buffet tablesqty 3
- High tablesqty 4
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 150
- Reusable platesqty 120
- Reusable cutleryqty 120
- Coffee cupsqty 80
- Tea glassesqty 60
Kitchen
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 6
- Serving plattersqty 12
- Serving utensilsqty 12
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Knivesqty 6
- Coolersqty 5
Equipment
- Battery speaker
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
Lighting
- LED light stringsqty 6
- LED lampsqty 8
Decorations
- Buntingqty 8
- Signs and directional arrowsqty 12
Fire supplies
- Dry firewoodqty 2
- Kindlingqty 3
- Wooden torchesqty 20
Safety
- Crowd control barriersqty 12
- Fire extinguishersqty 3
- Fire blanketsqty 2
- Buckets of waterqty 8
- Sand pitsqty 2
- First aid kit
- Flashlightsqty 6
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 8
- Handwash sinksqty 2
- Cleaning bucketsqty 3
- Broom setsqty 3
- Litter pickersqty 3
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 12 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 3 cases
- Pils - 5 crates
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Beer glasses - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 15 pieces
- Herb butter - 10 tubs
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Raw ham - 2 kilos
- Salami - 2 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 12 tubs
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Marshmallows - 8 bags
- Skewers - 300 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 trays
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 4 jars
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
Tips
- Order dry firewood and kindling several days in advance, then check the delivery before the event. Keep the wood dry and stack it where it will not block routes or access to the fire.
- Allow at least 2–3 drinking glasses or cups per guest if you are not washing up during the evening. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep a separate cooler for unopened stock.
- Set aside one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, plus around 10% extra for loss or damage. Coffee cups, tea glasses and serving utensils are easy to overlook when the main tableware is packed.
- Plan lighting for the full route from the entrance to the toilets and fire area. LED light strings, LED lamps, extension cords and power strips should be tested before setup, especially if the venue has limited power outlets.
- Buy or confirm the safety equipment before collecting firewood: crowd control barriers to cordon off the fire pit, fire extinguishers, and signs with arrows for arrivals and exits. Do not leave these items until the day of the fire.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I buy for a St. John's Fire?
- Plan for dry firewood, kindling and wooden torches, plus drinks, chilled goods, snacks and reusable tableware. You will also need serving equipment, coolers, lighting, signs, barriers and fire extinguishers.
- How much firewood do I need for a St. John's Fire?
- The amount depends on the fire size and burning time, so confirm it with the venue or fire-safety plan rather than guessing. Order it several days ahead and check that the wood is dry when it arrives.
- How many cups and plates do I need per guest?
- Allow one plate, one set of cutlery and at least 2–3 cups or glasses per guest when there is no washing-up point. Add roughly 10% extra so replacements are available during the evening.
- When should I buy drinks and chilled food for a St. John's Fire?
- Buy shelf-stable drinks and snacks a few days beforehand. Buy chilled goods and ice on the day of the event, then chill the drinks before guests arrive.
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