What to Buy for a Summer Party

This summer party shopping list covers the practical supplies for an outdoor gathering with a barbecue, buffet, drinks station and music. Start with your guest count, then check what you already have before buying anything. Plates, glasses, serving utensils, coolers and seating are easy to underestimate, especially when people stay for several hours. Plan food and drinks separately, and leave time to chill drinks, prepare vegetables and sauces, and set up safely before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 3
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Large pliersqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Hand brushes and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Chicken skewers - 5 kilograms
- Hamburgers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Barbecue sausages - 40 pieces
- Chicken satay - 3 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 75 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Pita breads - 30 pieces
- Mixed salad - 5 heads
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn on the cob - 30 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Sliced cheese - 2 kilogram
- Hamburger sauce - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Party nuts - 4 kilograms
- Olives - 3 jars
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Strawberries - 4 kilogram
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Brownies - 60
- Ice - 8 boxes
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 12 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Coffee - 3 kilograms
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Mint - 10 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Pepper - 250 gram
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per hour after that. Include water and non-alcoholic options, and chill drinks at least four hours before the party.
For a barbecue buffet, allow about 250–350 g of meat or other main food per adult, plus 150–200 g of salads, bread or vegetables. Buy extra serving platters and tongs so raw and cooked food do not share utensils.
Count one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass and one cutlery set per guest, then add 10% spare tableware. If coffee will be served, add one coffee cup per expected coffee drinker rather than relying on dinner glasses.
Check your outdoor power setup at least one day ahead. Count the sockets needed for speakers, lighting and coffee machines, and keep extension cords and power strips away from wet ground and walkways.
Do not leave cleanup supplies until the end: have at least two buckets, two mops and enough bin bags ready before guests arrive. Set up a separate place for used plates and glasses so the buffet stays clear.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a summer party barbecue?: Allow roughly 250–350 g of meat or other main food per adult, plus 150–200 g of sides such as salads, bread and vegetables. For children, plan about half an adult portion. Add around 10% extra if the party lasts more than four hours.
How many drinks should I buy for a summer party?: Plan two to three drinks per guest during the first hour, followed by one drink per person per hour. Include water and non-alcoholic drinks, and chill the first batch at least four hours before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a summer party?: Provide one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass and one cutlery set per guest, plus 10% spare. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each item, with extra glasses if drinks will be served throughout the evening.
What should I buy for an outdoor summer party if it rains?: Arrange party tents and confirm the bad-weather plan at least 48 hours before the event. Keep enough covered space for the buffet, drinks and seating, and move electrical equipment away from rain and standing water.

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