What to Buy for a Theme Party

A theme party needs more than matching decorations. Plan the shopping around your guest count, serving style and theme, then check access, power and storage before buying anything. You will need tableware for the meal and drinks, serving pieces for the buffet, decorations that can be set up quickly, and equipment for music, photos and activities. This list helps you spot easy-to-miss items such as extension cords, charging cables, name badges and waste bins before the party starts.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12

Decorations

Themed balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8
Theme postersqty 12
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Confetti containersqty 8
Name badgesqty 60

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Laptop
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Charging cablesqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Glowing decorationsqty 20

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Mini bake-at-home rolls - 80 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 40 pieces
- Mini pizza bases - 30 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1.5 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Herb cream cheese - 750 grams
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 12
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Strawberries - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Sweet chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Pizza sauce - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Cocktail picks - 200 pieces
- Skewers - 100 pieces
- Ice scoops - 100 pieces

Tips

Allow one reusable plate, bowl, drinking glass and cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for breakages or replacements. Add coffee cups if coffee will be served after the meal.
For a buffet, provide at least one serving platter or bowl for each main dish, side dish and snack. Keep two cutting boards available for preparing fruit, vegetables and other ingredients.
Buy or gather decorations at least 3–5 days before the party. Inflate themed balloons on the day, and check that the balloon pump, backdrop, props and confetti containers are all together.
Test the Bluetooth speakers, microphone, laptop, LED light strings and LED lamps 24 hours beforehand. Pack extension cords, power strips and charging cables in one clearly labelled box.
Plan one waste bin for every 15–20 guests and place them near the food, drinks and exit. Set aside a clothes rack if guests will need somewhere to leave coats or themed outfits.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a theme party?: Plan tableware, serving platters, buffet supplies, decorations, lighting, music equipment and waste bins. For food and drinks, start with one place setting per guest plus 10% spare items, then add quantities based on the guest list.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a theme party?: Provide one reusable plate, bowl and drinking glass per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means 33 plates, 33 bowls and 33 glasses if everyone will use each item once.
When should I buy theme party decorations?: Buy decorations 3–5 days before the event so you can check colours, quantities and condition. Set up balloons, bunting, posters and the photo backdrop on the day, allowing at least 60–90 minutes.
How many waste bins do I need for a theme party?: Use roughly one waste bin per 15–20 guests, with extra capacity near the buffet and drinks table. A party for 30 guests therefore needs at least two bins, emptied once during the event if they fill quickly.

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