What to Buy for a Summer Party

A summer party shopping list needs more than food and drinks. Plan for chilled storage, barbecue equipment, serving dishes, reusable tableware and enough seating for the full guest list. Buy shelf-stable items first, then fresh groceries close to the party so salads, vegetables and meat stay fresh. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and keep a weather backup in mind if tables, chairs or food will be outside.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 70
Bar stoolsqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 10
Folding benchesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable glassesqty 100
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Knivesqty 80
Forksqty 80
Spoonsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 12
Pliersqty 8
Small bowlsqty 20
Pitchersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Aluminum traysqty 12
Kitchen scale
Table lightersqty 2
Oven mittsqty 4
Kitchen towelsqty 8
Food storage containersqty 12
Kitchen wrapqty 2
Aluminum foilqty 2
Napkin dispensersqty 4

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
BBQ toolsqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Table décorqty 10
Name badgesqty 70
Menusqty 10

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Sports equipment

boules setsqty 2
Badminton setsqty 3
Frisbeesqty 4
Soccerqty 2
Conesqty 12
Jump ropeqty 4
Water gunsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 70 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 20 pieces
- Sausages - 40 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 80 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 5 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Potatoes - 8 kilograms
- Pasta salad - 5 kilograms
- Raw vegetables - 4 kilograms
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Feta cheese - 1 kilogram
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hamburger sauce - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Marinade - 3 bottles
- Tortilla chips - 2 kilogram
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snack nuts - 2 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Melons - 4 pieces
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Mini ice creams - 80 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Vanilla ice cream - 6 liters
- Chocolate cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Beer - 8 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Straws - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Aluminum barbecue trays - 4 packs
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan tableware for every guest plus 10% extra: for 20 guests, that means 22 plates, bowls, glasses, sets of cutlery and coffee cups. Add extra serving spoons, tongs and small bowls so guests do not need to share utensils.
Buy or reserve coolers early if drinks and salads must stay cold outdoors. For a 20-person party, allow at least two large coolers and chill drinks the day before rather than trying to cool everything on the morning itself.
Separate the barbecue shopping into food, fuel and tools. Check that the barbecue, BBQ tools, cutting boards, chef’s knife and aluminum trays are available at least 48 hours before guests arrive.
Use the guest list and dietary requirements to label dishes before serving. Prepare name badges, buffet labels and separate serving utensils at least one hour before food is put out.
Do not leave weather protection until the last week. Reserve party tents, tables and chairs as soon as the date is set, and confirm the bad-weather arrangement after checking the forecast 48 hours before the party.

Frequently asked questions

How much tableware do I need for a summer party?: Plan one complete set per guest plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare 33 plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery sets, along with extra serving spoons and tongs.
How many drinks should I buy for a summer party?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person per hour afterward. For a four-hour party with 20 guests, that is roughly 100 to 120 drinks, with extra water available throughout.
When should I buy food for a summer barbecue party?: Buy non-perishable items up to a week ahead. Buy fresh vegetables, salads, desserts and meat one day before the party, then chill the meat and salads as soon as you get home.
How early should I reserve tables and party tents?: Reserve tables, chairs and party tents when you set the date, especially for a larger guest list. Recheck availability and the weather plan at least 48 hours before the party.

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