What to buy for a zoo party

A zoo party needs more than snacks and a cake. You will need entrance tickets, food and drinks for the group, serving equipment, name stickers and a practical arrival setup. Plan cold storage for drinks and check whether the venue provides tables, chairs and power before you shop. This list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as cake-cutting tools, ice, chargers and extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
Gift table
Coolersqty 3
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cupsqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 25
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 4
Pie platesqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon archesqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 6
Name stickersqty 50
Gift tagsqty 30

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2
Phone chargersqty 3
Party tentqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Cake knife
Ice cube traysqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand soapqty 2
Dish soapqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Potato slices - 3 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Ham - 2 packs
- Chicken breast topping - 2 packs
- Olives - 3 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Mini quiches - 50 pieces
- Chicken nuggets - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Puff pastry snacks - 50 pieces
- Mini sausages - 50 pieces
- Cake - 1 large cake
- Cupcakes - 45 pieces
- Candy mix - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 20 pieces

Tips

Buy or confirm the entrance tickets before sending the final guest information, and keep a printed copy or accessible digital list for the arrival desk.
Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water and extra drinks for the time spent walking around the zoo. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive.
Order the cake several days ahead and collect it on the day with a cake knife, pie plates and serving trays. Pack the knife separately so it does not get left at home.
Prepare one name sticker for every guest, plus at least 10% extra for replacements. Keep them at the arrival desk with the tickets and a pen.
Check the venue’s furniture and power rules at least one week before the party. If you need a coffee maker, kettle, speaker or chargers, bring extension cords and power strips only where permitted.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a zoo party?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water for the rest of the visit. Provide snacks that can be served quickly and pack enough for every guest, plus about 10% extra.
How many name stickers should I buy for a zoo party?: Prepare one sticker per guest and add 10% extra for damaged or misplaced stickers. Keep them at the arrival desk so guests can receive one together with their ticket.
What equipment is easy to forget for a zoo party?: Cake knives, pie plates, ice, phone chargers and extension cords are commonly missed. Check these items at least one day before the party, along with coolers and serving trays.
When should I order the cake for a zoo party?: Order the cake several days before the party, or earlier if the bakery requires advance notice. Arrange collection on the day and allow enough time to chill drinks and set out snacks before guests arrive.

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