What to Buy for a Summer Market

A Summer Market needs more than stalls and tables. You will also need a clear setup for drinks, coffee, snacks, payments, displays and waste, with enough equipment to keep visitors moving. Use this shopping list alongside your exhibitor numbers and expected visitor count. Buy or collect disposable items at least a week ahead, and check powered equipment, extension cords and payment terminals before the market opens.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Party tentsqty 4
Beer tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 8
High tablesqty 6
Table skirtsqty 12
Storage boxesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 6
Display standsqty 10

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 60
Platesqty 120
Cake platesqty 80
Forksqty 120
Knivesqty 80
Spoonsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 12
Water jugsqty 10
Thermos flasksqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Standing fansqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Flashlightsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Bowlsqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 3
Pliersqty 8
Serving plattersqty 10
Ice spoonsqty 4
Ice packsqty 24
Foil holdersqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Table decorationsqty 12
Flower boxesqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Name badgesqty 20
Table numbersqty 12
Balloonsqty 80

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 12
Batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel dispensersqty 6
Disinfectant spraysqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Litter pickersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 2 liters
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger ale - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 18 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 6 crates
- Pilsner - 8 crates
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Limes - 2 kilos
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 4 kilos
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salt sticks - 8 bags
- Olives - 8 jars
- Pickles - 6 jars
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Herb butter - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 20 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Wraps - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Grilled vegetables - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Falafel - 3 kilos
- Egg salad - 2 kilo
- Hummus wraps - 40 pieces
- Chicken salad - 2 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto sauce - 2 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Italian herbs - 2 jars
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Sugar waffles - 100 pieces
- Herb cake - 6 pieces
- Apple pies - 4 pieces
- Brownies - 6 trays
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Food containers - 200 pieces
- Skewers - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper coffee cups - 200 pieces
- Teaspoons - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Liquid hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs

Tips

Plan one serving glass or cup per expected visitor, then add at least 10% extra for replacements and busy periods. Reusable drinking glasses, coffee cups and tea glasses should be counted separately.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus extra water. Chill drinks before opening and prepare enough coolers or storage space so the bar is not restocked during the busiest period.
Match tables, chairs and display stands to the number of stallholders, not just the number of pitches. Confirm each exhibitor’s requirements before buying or collecting furniture, especially clothes racks and power access.
For coffee and tea, provide one cup per serving, at least one kettle or coffee machine for each busy drinks station, and enough thermos flasks to keep a reserve ready. Plates, cake plates, forks, knives and spoons are easy to underestimate.
Check every powered item before setup and bring extension cords with spare capacity. Payment terminals should be charged and tested before the venue opens, with cash available as a backup if the connection fails.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks should I buy for a Summer Market?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then add around 10% extra for staff, exhibitors and unexpected demand. Include water as well as soft drinks or other refreshments.
How much tableware do I need for a Summer Market?: Start with one glass, cup or plate per expected serving, then add at least 10% spare stock. Count coffee cups, tea glasses, plates and cake plates separately because they are not interchangeable at busy serving points.
When should I buy supplies for a Summer Market?: Buy reusable equipment, tableware and display items at least one week before the event. Purchase chilled drinks and fresh snacks as close to opening as practical, while checking deliveries and quantities before setup day.
How many market stalls and tables do I need?: Provide one suitable stall or pitch setup for every confirmed exhibitor, then keep one spare table available for shared supplies or last-minute changes. Confirm dimensions, display needs and power requirements before finalising the layout.

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