Planning a party but unsure what supplies you’ll need? I completely understand that feeling. Whether it’s a classic cocktail party, a birthday bash, or a formal celebration, having the right supplies can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential party supplies for various occasions. This guide will walk you through the must-have items for different types of parties, combining insights from my book The 2-Hour Cocktail Party and expanding further to cover all your hosting needs.
For example:
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Name tags for cocktail parties or networking events
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Party hats for birthdays
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Wine and dinnerware for dinner parties
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Gingerbread or other cookies for holidays
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A grill for outdoor BBQ parties
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Barbecue green tea seasonings (to add a unique flavor to your party)
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Wedding advice cards, and more!
My goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and easy-to-follow list to ensure you’re well-prepared for any celebration.
Classic 2-Hour Cocktail Party
You don’t need excessive decorations or a table full of food to host a cocktail party or happy hour. My book emphasizes that simplicity and connection are key. Here’s what you need:
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Name tags (30+) and black Sharpie markers (4+)
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Clear disposable cups (10 oz/300 mL)
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Alcohol: Whiskey, vodka, red and white wine
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Mixers: Sparkling water, juice, and soda
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Ice (5 lbs)
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Cleaning supplies and a bathroom candle
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Harmonica for attention-grabbing (my secret weapon!)
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Light snacks: Chips and dips (e.g., tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole), assorted nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), veggie platter (baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices) with hummus, cheese and crackers, or mixed olives.
Birthday Party Essentials
Birthday parties are one of the most common types of parties. Don’t forget these key supplies:
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Decorations: Balloons, banners, streamers
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Birthday cake or cupcakes
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Party hats or fun accessories
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Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
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Music playlist and speaker
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Party games or activities
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Finger foods and snacks: Mini sandwiches or sliders, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, fruit platter (grapes, strawberries, melon chunks), and popcorn or flavored pretzels
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Variety of drinks: Soda (cola, lemon-lime, orange), fruit punch, sparkling water, beer and wine for adults, and birthday-themed cocktails (e.g., “Birthday Cake Martini”)
Dinner Party Delights
While I’m not the biggest fan of dinner parties and have even written an article about why you shouldn’t host one, I know they can be successfully pulled off.
So, if you’re looking to host a more intimate affair like a dinner party, here’s your simple checklist:
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Dinnerware: Plates, glasses, utensils, serving dishes
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Table linens and centerpieces
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Candles for ambiance
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Wine and other beverages
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Ingredients for your planned menu
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Coffee and tea to enjoy after dinner (our tea seasonings can also be brewed for a refreshing drink)
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Background music playlist
Holiday Happening
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” If you’re hosting a holiday party, don’t miss out on these items:
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Themed decorations
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Holiday-specific music playlist
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Photo booth props
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Gift exchange supplies (if applicable)
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Seasonal snacks and treats: Gingerbread cookies, candy canes, roasted chestnuts, cheese balls with crackers, spiced nuts
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Festive drinks and cocktails: Mulled wine, eggnog (alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions), hot chocolate (with optional peppermint schnapps), cranberry mimosas, apple cider (hot or cold)
Backyard BBQ Bonanza
I love summer BBQ parties. They’re another easy-to-host event that’s popular with attendees. So, fire up the grill and invite the neighbors! Here’s what you need:
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Various meat and vegetarian options: Burgers (beef, turkey, and veggie), hot dogs and bratwursts, marinated chicken skewers, grilled portobello mushrooms, corn on the cob, vegetable skewers (bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
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Side dishes: Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni salad, grilled vegetable platter
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Grill and grilling tools
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Charcoal or propane
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Coolers for drinks
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Plastic cups, plates, and utensils
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Condiments and sauces (don’t forget our barbecue green tea seasonings to add a unique flavor to your grilled meats)
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Large trash can for waste collection
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
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Outdoor games, like cornhole
Wedding Shower
Celebrating the soon-to-be newlyweds? Here’s your list:
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Elegant decorations (flowers, ribbons)
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Gift table and card box
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Guest book and pens
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Champagne and flutes for toasting
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Background music
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Activity supplies (e.g., wedding advice cards)
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Appetizers and finger foods: Bruschetta, caprese skewers, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, mini crab cakes, assorted canapés
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Dessert options: Chocolate-covered strawberries, macarons, mini cheesecakes, fruit tarts, wedding-themed cookies
Conclusion
No matter what type of party you’re hosting, focus on creating connections. The right supplies set the stage, but it’s the interactions that make a party truly memorable.
The checklists I’ve provided here will ensure you have all the physical items you need, but your role as a host goes beyond that.
You’re creating an environment where people can meet, mingle, and form new relationships.
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Always over-prepare on ice – you’ll use more than you think!
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Have a designated spot for coats and bags.
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Don’t forget trash bags and recycling bins.
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Always have non-alcoholic options available.
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Keep a few extra supplies on hand for unexpected guests.
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Your harmonica (or bell, or whistle) isn’t just a quirky party tool – it’s your secret weapon for bringing people together and creating those magical moments of connection.
Now you’re ready to host any type of party with confidence.
In my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, I provide helpful guidance on how to host a great party for any event. I wrote this book to support anyone interested in meeting new people.
When is your party? Send me an email, and I will give you some bonus tips, including a printable pre-party checklist.
