What you need for a youth center open house

A youth center open house needs more than snacks and drinks. Plan for a reception desk, activity areas, seating, coat storage, waste collection, and the equipment needed for sound and refreshments. This shopping list covers reusable cups, plates, bowls, serving utensils, coffee and tea equipment, cooling space, and basic kitchen tools. Check what the venue already provides before buying anything, especially tables, chairs, refrigerators, speakers, and extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 6
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Bowlsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 50
Tea glassesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Refrigeratorsqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptop

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Small bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Postersqty 12
Name stickersqty 100
Markersqty 12
Table décorqty 8

Sports equipment

Ballsqty 8
Conesqty 20
Skipping ropesqty 6
Dartboard
Dart arrowsqty 12
Table tennis paddlesqty 6
Table tennis ballsqty 24
Gamesqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Trash bag holdersqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Mini pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini muffins - 6 boxes
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 6 bunches
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian toppings - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Spice mix - 3 bags
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles

Tips

Plan drinks for the full opening period, not just arrival: allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then about one per person per hour. Chill what fits in the refrigerators and use coolers for the rest.
Provide one reusable cup per expected visitor plus at least 10% extra. Add separate coffee cups, tea glasses, plates, bowls, and cutlery so refreshments do not depend on one type of tableware.
Set up at least two clearly marked waste bins: one near the refreshments and one near the activity area. Empty them before they are full, especially after the first busy hour.
Check power needs before bringing speakers, a mixer, coffee machines, kettles, and drink dispensers into the same room. Keep extension cords and power strips available, but do not overload a single outlet.
Prepare the reception desk with the laptop, registration information, and a small supply of serving trays, tongs, and spoons. Keep dietary information accessible to the refreshment team before snacks are put out.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a youth center open house?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per person per hour. Provide shelf-stable snacks, chilled drinks, coffee, tea, and enough plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery for everyone plus at least 10% extra.
How many cups do I need for an open house?: Allow one reusable cup per expected visitor, plus 10% extra for replacements and visitors who return for another drink. Keep coffee cups and tea glasses separate from general drinking cups.
What equipment should I check before the youth center open house?: Check refrigerators or coolers, coffee machines, kettles, speakers, microphones, a mixer, a laptop, extension cords, and power strips at least one week before the event. Test the sound equipment and confirm that the venue has enough working power outlets.
When should I buy and prepare supplies for the open house?: Buy shelf-stable snacks, tableware, and kitchen supplies at least three to five days beforehand. Chill drinks and prepare fresh snacks on the day, allowing enough time to set up the reception desk, activity areas, tables, chairs, and refreshments before visitors arrive.

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