What to Buy for a Valentine’s Day Party

A Valentine’s Day party needs more than heart-shaped decorations. Plan the shopping around your guest count, meal format, and the time people will stay. For a seated dinner, each guest needs a dinner plate, dessert plate, fork, knife, spoon, wine glass, and water glass; add serving dishes and spare pieces for accidents. Drinks, coffee supplies, table linens, lighting, and extension cords are easy to overlook, so check them before the final shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat rack

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Wine glassesqty 45
Water glassesqty 45
Coffee cupsqty 45
Serving traysqty 8
Serving bowlsqty 8
Water carafesqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Heart garlandsqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Vasesqty 8
LED candlesqty 24
Photo backdrop
Guest book
Name badge holdersqty 45
Table numbersqty 6

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 2
Corkscrewsqty 2
Food storage containersqty 10
Oven mittsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpan
Mop and bucket
Cleaning clothsqty 10
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Soft rolls - 40 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Brie - 1,5 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Avocados - 10 pieces
- Olives - 2 jars
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Pasta - 3 kilograms
- Green pesto - 1 kilogram
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Mushrooms - 1 kilogram
- Cooking cream - 2 liters
- Vegetable broth - 2 liters
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Basil - 6 bunches
- Parsley - 4 bunches
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Chocolate fondue - 2 kilograms
- Marshmallows - 4 bags
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-Free Sparkling Wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 8 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Buy at least one complete place setting per guest, plus 10% spare tableware. For 20 guests, that means 22 dinner plates, dessert plates, forks, knives, spoons, wine glasses, and water glasses.
Plan drinks by service period: allow roughly two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one per person per hour. Chill the first batch before guests arrive and keep extra bottles in coolers.
Keep decorations separate from serving equipment. Heart garlands, balloons, vases, LED candles, and a photo backdrop can be prepared early, while fresh flowers and food should wait until the day itself.
Check power before setting up speakers, a coffee maker, LED candles, and balloon equipment. Bring at least one extension cord and a power strip, and test them at least 24 hours before the party.
Count serving pieces as well as guest tableware. For a buffet meal, provide one serving bowl or tray for each dish, two water carafes per 20 guests, and enough table space to keep food and drinks from blocking seats.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a Valentine’s Day party?: For a basic party, plan food, drinks, dinner and dessert plates, forks, knives, spoons, wine and water glasses, serving bowls, trays, tablecloths, decorations, and waste bags. Add coffee cups and a coffee maker if coffee will be served. Buy or borrow 10% more tableware than your guest count.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a Valentine’s Day dinner?: Count one dinner plate, dessert plate, fork, knife, spoon, wine glass, and water glass per guest, then add 10% spare pieces. For 20 guests, prepare 22 of each item so replacements are available during the evening.
How many drinks should I buy for a Valentine’s Day party?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one drink per person for each additional hour. For 20 guests staying three hours, plan approximately 80 to 100 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic options.
When should I shop for a Valentine’s Day party?: Buy non-perishable decorations, tableware, cables, and drinks two to three days ahead. Buy fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and desserts one day before, then chill drinks and check the full setup on the party day.

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