What to Buy for a Testimony Evening

A Testimony Evening usually needs more than coffee, tea and a few snacks. Plan for a reception area, seated speakers, refreshments and a clear route from registration to presentation. This shopping list covers the practical supplies guests and speakers use, including cups, glasses, plates, serving items and kitchen equipment. Buy fresh fruit and other perishable food as close to the event as possible, and separate dietary products before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 75
Tablesqty 8
Reception desk
Stage table
High tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Portable Sound System
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
HDMI cable
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Presentation screen

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 75
Glassesqty 75
Dinner platesqty 75
Cake platesqty 75
Cutlery setsqty 75
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Oven mittsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Welcome sign
Name badgesqty 75
Program sheetsqty 80
Pensqty 12

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemon-lime soda - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini croissants - 80 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Turkey breast - 1,5 kilo
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Mandarins - 50 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Whole grain cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 8 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 8 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water alongside coffee, tea and other refreshments.
For snacks, allow two to three portions per guest before the programme and one portion per guest during a short break. Buy extra for speakers, volunteers and late arrivals.
Count tableware against your maximum registration number, then add 10% spare. This covers dropped cups, unexpected guests and items left at the coffee and tea station.
Buy fresh fruit no earlier than one day before the evening, and wash and cut it on the day itself. Keep cut fruit chilled until it is placed on the serving platters.
Set aside dietary products in clearly marked containers before opening the buffet. Check registrations and dietary requirements against the shopping before volunteers begin preparing food.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a Testimony Evening?: Allow two to three snack portions per guest for the first part of the evening, plus one portion per guest for a break. Add 10% extra for speakers, volunteers and unexpected attendees.
How many cups and glasses should I buy for a Testimony Evening?: Use the confirmed registration number as your base and add 10%. For example, 50 guests means planning for at least 55 cups and 55 glasses, depending on how many drinks you serve.
When should I buy fresh fruit for the event?: Buy fresh fruit one day before the Testimony Evening at the earliest. Wash and cut it on the event day, then keep it chilled until serving.
What should I prepare for guests with dietary requirements?: Review the registration information at least 3 days before the event and buy separate dietary products afterward. Store and label them separately before the coffee, tea and snack station opens.

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