What to buy for a storytime performance

Use this shopping list to prepare a storytime performance without missing the small items that affect the audience’s comfort. Plan drinks, snacks, serving supplies and name badges, then check the reading area, audio equipment and lighting before shopping. For children’s sessions, add simple table activities such as coloured pencils. Confirm dietary requirements before buying food, and leave time to chill drinks and collect any books or materials you are picking up separately.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 55
Tablesqty 6
Reading chair
Side tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Spare batteriesqty 8

Tableware

Mugsqty 60
Drinking glassesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Book-themed postersqty 6
Paper garlandsqty 4
Table decorationsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 4

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 2
Mood lightingqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Hand broomsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Carbonated water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Grape juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Orange lemonade - 3 bottles
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 25 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Low-salt crackers - 4 packs
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Turkey breast - 500 grams
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan two drinks per person for the first hour, then add one extra drink per person for each additional hour. Buy a small reserve for the reader and anyone helping behind the scenes.
Allow one snack portion per guest, plus 10% extra. Check dietary requirements before shopping so you can label alternatives rather than trying to sort them out at the door.
Bring two spare sets of batteries for the wireless microphone or portable speaker. Pack extension cords and power strips as well, because the reading area is rarely close to a suitable socket.
Count one chair per registered guest and add two spare chairs for late arrivals or helpers. A separate reading chair and one or two side tables keep books, water and notes within reach.
Prepare the reading area at least 60 minutes before the performance. Test the microphone, speaker and lighting with the actual reading script, and chill drinks while the room is being set up.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a storytime performance?: Plan two drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every extra hour. Include water as well as tea or coffee, and chill bottled or canned drinks at least 2 hours before guests arrive.
How many snacks should I buy for storytime?: Buy one snack portion per registered guest, plus 10% extra. Confirm allergies and dietary requirements no later than 3 days before the event so suitable alternatives can be included in the shop.
What equipment is needed for a storytime reading?: For a small room, prepare a portable speaker, wireless microphone, microphone stand, extension cords, power strips and spare batteries. Test the complete setup at least 60 minutes before the reading starts.
How many chairs do I need for a storytime performance?: Provide one chair for every registered guest and add two spare chairs for helpers or late arrivals. Set up the audience seating at least 45 minutes before the start, leaving a clear view of the reading chair.

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