What you need for a summer party

This summer party shopping list covers the items people often remember too late: enough glasses, serving utensils, coolers, shade and lighting. Plan tableware for every guest, plus a little extra for breakages and second servings. For drinks, allow two to three per person during the first hour, then one per hour after that. Check the forecast before shopping so you can adjust shelter, ice and outdoor equipment in time.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 11

Tableware

Platesqty 70
Dessert platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Table décorqty 10
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 5
Lanternsqty 6

Sports equipment

Pétanque setsqty 2
Kubb set
Ring toss set

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 70 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Potato salad - 5 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetables - 4 kilograms
- Fruit salad - 5 kilograms
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue charcoal - 12 kilogram
- Firelighters - 2 packs
- Beer - 120 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 30 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Buy or borrow about 10% more plates, glasses and cutlery than your guest count; outdoor parties create more dropped and misplaced items than indoor meals.
Chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive, and prepare enough cooler space for bottles, cans and ice separately from food.
For a barbecue, plan roughly 300–400 g of meat and vegetables per adult, then add vegetarian options based on the dietary requirements you collected.
Do not leave shelter, tables, chairs or power supplies until the day before. Confirm availability at least 7 days ahead, especially if you need party tents, a barbecue or extension cords.
Add lighting for the last part of the evening: string lights or lanterns, plus safe cable placement and power strips checked before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a summer party?: For a barbecue-style summer party, allow about 300–400 g of meat and vegetables per adult, plus snacks and side dishes. Add around 10% extra if the party lasts several hours or guests are likely to return for seconds.
How many drinks should I buy for a summer party?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Add plenty of water and allow at least 4 hours to chill drinks before serving.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Provide one dinner plate, one dessert plate and at least two drinking glasses per guest, then add 10% extra. You will also need serving platters, tongs and enough cutlery for the full menu.
When should I prepare a summer party shopping list?: Make the first list at least 7 days before the party so you can reserve larger items and check availability. Do the main shopping 1–2 days ahead, with fresh food and ice bought on the day.

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