What to buy for a tennis party

A tennis party needs more than rackets and balls. Plan equipment for the players, plus clear scorekeeping, drinks, buffet service and a comfortable place to sit between matches. Check what the courts already provide before buying nets, markings or scoreboards. For food and drinks, use reusable tableware, coolers and covered serving dishes so setup stays simple and refreshments remain cold and protected.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Tennis racketsqty 18
Tennis ballsqty 36
Ball basketsqty 4
Tennis netsqty 4
Course markingsqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 4
Whistlesqty 4
Wristbandsqty 30

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Benchesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 35
Bowlsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 35
Coffee mugsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Thermos bottlesqty 3
Drink dispensersqty 2
Food coversqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Power stripsqty 2

Decorations

Party buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 30 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Brie - 750 grams
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Egg salad - 750 gram
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Melons - 2 pieces
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 2 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Peanuts - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Vinaigrette - 2 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Brownies - 36 pieces
- Whipped cream - 3 cans
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Disposable food containers - 30 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow one racket per active player, plus at least 10% extra if possible. For a group of 20 players, that means 22 rackets and enough balls for several matches rather than one shared can.
Prepare one wristband or team marker per participant and print the match schedule before guests arrive. Keep scorecards and pens together at the registration table so the first matches can start on time.
Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Use coolers or drink dispensers and bring more reusable cups than the exact guest count.
For a buffet, provide one plate, fork, knife and cup per guest, plus 10% extra. Add serving platters, bowls, tongs and food covers; these are easy to overlook when the focus is on court equipment.
Count seats for everyone who is not playing at the same time, not just the total guest list. A Bluetooth speaker, power strips, wayfinding signs and simple bunting should be ready before the welcome table opens.

Frequently asked questions

How many tennis balls do I need for a tennis party?: Plan at least 3–4 balls per active court for a casual party, with extra balls available for lost or worn ones. For two courts, start with 12–16 balls and add more if matches run continuously.
How many tennis rackets do I need for 20 guests?: Buy or bring one racket per player using the courts at the same time, plus 10% extra where possible. If 20 people may play together, prepare about 22 rackets.
How many drinks should I buy for a tennis party?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and about 1 per person for each additional hour. For 20 guests over three hours, that is roughly 80–100 drinks, depending on weather and food.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a tennis party?: Buy non-perishable drinks and serving supplies at least 2–3 days ahead. Chill everything that needs refrigeration the evening before, then top up the coolers shortly before guests arrive.

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