What you need for Together in Connection

Planning Together in Connection involves more than arranging chairs and a speaker. You also need enough cups, plates and cutlery for the full group, plus coffee equipment, serving items and a reliable way to keep drinks cool. Check the room before shopping: some venues already provide tables, power strips or kitchen equipment. This list also covers the details people often leave until the last day, such as candles, name badges, fresh produce and microphone connections.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 60
Tablesqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Changing room rack

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 80
Platesqty 80
Dessert platesqty 60
Knivesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Spoonsqty 70
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 6
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Music standsqty 4

Decorations

Themed clothsqty 4
Candlesqty 30
Candle holdersqty 15
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60
Table numbersqty 8

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Vacuum cleaner
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Halal chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian samosas - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer cups - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Count tableware for every registered guest, then add a small buffer of about 10% for breakages, late arrivals and second servings. Include coffee cups, glasses, plates, dessert plates, knives, forks and spoons.
Plan coffee service around the programme rather than guessing on the day. For a one-hour reception, allow roughly two cups per person, and check that the coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks can serve the group without a long queue.
Keep chilled drinks and fresh produce separate from room setup. Bring coolers and collect fresh produce on the day or no earlier than the day before, especially if it will be served during the reception.
Test the sound system before guests arrive, not when the programme starts. Check the portable speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, music stands, extension cords and power strips at least 24 hours in advance.
Prepare themed cloths, candles, candle holders and flower arrangements before the setup window begins. Candles should be placed in holders and kept clear of microphones, cables, serving trays and guest walkways.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a Together in Connection event?: Plan for tableware, coffee and hot-water equipment, serving platters and trays, coolers, sound equipment and simple themed decorations. Also check whether the venue already supplies chairs, tables, kitchen items or power equipment before buying anything.
How many cups and glasses do I need per person?: For a short reception, allow about two coffee cups and two glasses per person. Add around 10% extra if washing up during the event is not possible or if guests are likely to have second drinks.
When should I buy fresh produce for the event?: Collect fresh produce on the day of the event whenever possible, or at most one day beforehand. Keep it cool until serving and confirm the final guest count before making the purchase.
How early should I test the microphones and speakers?: Test every microphone, speaker, cable and power connection at least 24 hours before Together in Connection. Repeat a short sound check 60 to 90 minutes before guests arrive, after the equipment has been placed in the room.

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