What to buy for a summer party

A summer party shopping list needs more than food and drinks. You also need enough chilled storage, servingware, cooking equipment and power for music and coffee. This plan covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from reusable cups and serving platters to coolers, extension cords and name badges. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and allow time to wash produce, prepare snacks, marinate food and keep allergens separate.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Buffet tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Beer tablesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 90
Reusable bowlsqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 120
Wine glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 50
Knivesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Microphone
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Barbecue brushesqty 3
Aluminum traysqty 12
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 150
Balloon pumpqty 2
Name badgesqty 100
Table décorqty 12
Menusqty 12
Directional signsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12
Batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 4
Soft ballsqty 8
Hoopsqty 8
Conesqty 24
Skipping ropesqty 10
Water gunsqty 20
Water spongesqty 30
Treasure chestsqty 6
Sidewalk chalkqty 12
Craft kitsqty 30
Prize ribbonsqty 40
Basketsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning spraysqty 4
Dish brushesqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 70 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 25 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 25 pieces
- Hot dogs - 40 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Baby potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Pita bread - 40 pieces
- Mixed salad - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 15 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn - 12 cans
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetables - 4 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Garlic sauce - 2 liters
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Peanut sauce - 2 liters
- Hamburger sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 250 grams
- Paprika powder - 200 grams
- Garlic powder - 150 gram
- Italian herbs - 150 grams
- Barbecue seasoning - 250 grams
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilogram
- Butter - 500 grams
- Herb butter - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Melon - 4 pieces
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Limes - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Vanilla ice cream - 8 liters
- Popsicles - 80 pieces
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Chocolate sauce - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Straws - 150 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Barbecue briquettes - 20 kilogram
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Plan drinks by hour: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour. Buy ice or prepare coolers in advance so drinks stay cold while food is being served.
Count servingware against your guest list, not just your table settings. Keep at least one reusable cup, plate and bowl per guest available, plus extra spoons, forks and serving utensils for the buffet.
Reserve party tents, tables, chairs and barbecue equipment as soon as the date is confirmed. For an outdoor summer party, aim to have shelter and seating arranged at least two weeks before the event.
Check power before buying or collecting sound equipment. Portable speakers, coffee machines and kettles may need extension cords and power strips, so test the setup before guests arrive.
Separate allergy-safe food before preparation and label it clearly. Finish washing fruit and vegetables, preparing snacks and marinating meat or vegetarian products no later than the day before.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a summer party?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. For food, provide a mix of snacks, barbecue ingredients, sauces, fruit, vegetables and dessert portions, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping.
How many cups and plates do I need for a summer party?: Allow one reusable cup, plate and bowl per guest, plus at least 10% extra for replacements and busy serving periods. Add enough knives, forks, spoons and serving utensils for the buffet.
When should I buy supplies for a summer party?: Reserve tents, furniture, sound equipment and games at least two weeks ahead. Buy non-perishable items several days before, then purchase chilled food, fruit, vegetables and ice one day before the party.
How do I keep food and drinks cold at a summer party?: Use enough coolers for drinks and perishable food, and chill drinks before guests arrive. Store food separately from drinks where possible, and replenish serving dishes in small batches every 30 to 60 minutes.

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