What to Buy for a Yalda Celebration

A Yalda celebration needs more than pomegranates and watermelon. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then check whether you have enough serving dishes, cups, seating and safe lighting for a long evening. Fresh fruit should be bought close to the event, while decorations, disposable supplies and non-perishable groceries can be handled earlier. Use the shopping list below alongside your guest registrations and dietary requirements so you do not run short during the buffet or tea service.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 55
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Red table linenqty 8
Decorative pomegranatesqty 12
Decorative bowlsqty 6
Paper fansqty 20
Photo framesqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Glass candle lanternsqty 12
LED candlesqty 24

Equipment

Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Kettleqty 2
Coffee makerqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Kitchen bowlsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 2
Spongesqty 10
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Trash binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Pomegranates - 25 pieces
- Watermelons - 4 pieces
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 4 kilogram
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Walnuts - 2 kilograms
- Pistachios - 2 kilograms
- Almonds - 2 kilograms
- Cashews - 1.5 kilograms
- Hazelnuts - 1 kilogram
- Raisins - 1 kilogram
- Dates - 2 kilogram
- Dried apricots - 1 kilogram
- Dried Figs - 1 kilogram
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salted popcorn - 2 kilograms
- Dark chocolate - 1,5 kilogram
- Milk chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Baklava - 4 kilograms
- Cookies - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Falafel - 100 pieces
- Wraps - 60 pieces
- Feta - 1,5 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Arugula - 1 kilogram
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Parsley - 6 bunches
- Mint - 6 bunches
- Olives - 1,5 kilogram
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Sumac - 1 jar
- Cumin - 1 jar
- Garlic - 6 bulbs
- Yogurt dressing - 2 liters
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Black tea - 2 packs
- Herbal tea - 2 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 6 liters
- Honey - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Garbage bags - 50 pieces
- Food storage containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Buy fresh fruit one or two days before the celebration, then wash and chill it before guests arrive. Allow about 150–200 g of fruit per person if it is served as a main dessert or snack.
For a buffet, plan roughly 3–5 small snack portions per guest, plus extra bowls for nuts and dried fruit. Portion these before setup so the reception table does not become crowded.
Count one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl, one water glass, one coffee cup and one cutlery set per guest, then add 10% spare tableware for breakage or unexpected arrivals.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers before guests arrive and keep water available throughout the evening.
Test the Bluetooth speaker, microphone, extension cords and power strips at least one day ahead. Place LED candles and string lights where cables will not cross walkways, especially around the buffet and reception table.

Frequently asked questions

How much fruit do I need for a Yalda celebration?: Plan 150–200 g of fruit per person when fruit is a central part of the dessert or snack table. For 20 guests, that is about 3–4 kg in total, with a little extra if the celebration lasts more than three hours.
How many plates and glasses do I need for Yalda night?: Buy or set out one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl and one water glass per guest, plus 10% spare pieces. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 of each item where possible.
When should I buy food for a Yalda celebration?: Buy non-perishable groceries and drinks three to seven days ahead. Buy fresh fruit one or two days before, then wash and chill it on the day of the celebration.
How many drinks should I buy per guest?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more for every additional hour. For a four-hour event with 25 guests, plan approximately 125–150 drinks, including water and hot drinks.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.