What to Buy for a Summer Drinks Party

Use this summer drinks shopping list to prepare the drinks station, buffet and outdoor seating without last-minute store runs. Plan drinks by guest count, then add ice, chilled storage and enough glasses for the full serving period. Snacks, sandwiches and salads need serving platters, bowls and utensils, not just ingredients. Check dietary requirements before shopping and buy perishables close to the event so they stay fresh.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Water glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving boardsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12
Menusqty 8

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 2
Ice containersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coffee thermosesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dishpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED outdoor lightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Cola - 12 liters
- Cola Zero - 12 liters
- Orange soda - 8 liters
- Tonic water - 6 liter
- Ginger beer - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini buns - 80 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Herb butter - 1.5 kilos
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Grill sausage - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilo
- Falafel - 2 kilos
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 5 kilo
- Pasta salad - 4 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Olives - 3 jars
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

For the first hour, allow 2–3 drinks per guest, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options in the same calculation rather than adding them as an afterthought.
Buy ice in two batches: enough to chill unopened drinks before guests arrive, plus a separate reserve for serving. Keep serving ice in ice containers instead of using the ice that has been sitting in the coolers.
Match tableware to your final guest count and add 10% extra glasses, plates and cutlery sets. Glasses disappear quickly when guests leave them on tables, beside the buffet or near the drinks station.
Shop for buffet foods only after collecting dietary requirements. Label suitable dishes clearly and keep separate serving spoons for salads, snacks and other shared foods.
Do not leave outdoor equipment until shopping day. Confirm party tents, tables, chairs, coolers, drink dispensers, extension cords and power strips at least 3–5 days before the event.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for a summer drinks party?: For the first hour, plan 2–3 drinks per guest. After that, allow about 1 drink per person per hour, and include water and non-alcoholic drinks in the total.
How much ice do I need for summer drinks?: Plan roughly 1–2 kg of ice per guest for chilling drinks and serving, depending on the temperature and event length. Buy extra if drinks will stay outdoors for several hours.
How many glasses and plates do I need per guest?: Provide at least 1 water glass, 1 wine glass and 1 plate per guest, then add 10% extra. For a 30-person party, that means at least 33 of each frequently used item.
When should I buy food and drinks for a summer drinks party?: Buy shelf-stable drinks, tableware and equipment 3–5 days ahead. Buy fruit, vegetables, bread, salads and other perishables 1 day before, then chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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