When it comes to planning your next get-together, make sure you have the top must-have supplies for the perfect party. It can get a little overwhelming trying to keep up with everything you need, so use our list below to make all your future party plans much more convenient!
How to Choose the Best Party Supplies
Before going out and spending money and ending up with things you don't need, first decide what kind of party you are having. Some gatherings will call for certain things whereas others will not. If you're having a birthday party, chances are your supplies will be much different than if you were hosting a wedding reception or anniversary party.
Another thing to keep in mind is how often you plan on having parties. If you are known for having parties often, then you may want to consider the type of supplies to invest in. With having parties every so often, you could easily get by with paper (or plastic) supplies that will be thrown away after one use. However, if you'll be having parties quite often, we highly recommend investing in party supplies that are reusable.
With these things in mind, let's look at the top 15 supplies you will need for most parties, no matter what kind you're having!
15 Must-Have Supplies for the Perfect Party
Decor
The theme of your party will always take center stage. It's one of the first things people notice when they get to your place. Here are some versatile décor pieces that can be used for any occasion:
- balloons
- streamer paper
- tablecloths
- picture frames
- flowers
- garland
Although you may not keep balloons and streamer paper after they are used, they make for some pretty cool and creative decor setups. Consider keeping a few different colors on hand for party time.
Use the picture frames for table markers, menus, and/or announcements. You can insert a white piece of paper and write directly on the glass part. This will save you printer ink and paper.
Eating & Drinking
What's a party without food and drinks? Even if you're only planning to have finger foods and mini bottles of water, you still want to make sure you have the things necessary for setting them up. Besides the common cups, plates, and flatware, below are a few ideas for supplies to hold those necessities:
- cup holder (with marker slot)
- utensil caddy
- plate holder
More Supplies to Consider
Continuing with things that are most commonly used at any and every kind of party, let's now talk about the least thought of. These are the things that are quite natural to get, but can sometimes be left of the get-list. This will help you keep those things in the forefront of your mind:
- party invitations
- tables and chairs
- ice
- cleaning supplies (paper towels, napkins, hand sanitizer, etc.)
- garbage can (and bags)
- other party decorations
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Party Supplies
We touched base with a few good tips earlier, such as deciding whether or not to get recyclable or reusable supplies. But there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, always set a budget when it comes to purchasing party supplies. Without one, you may find yourself over-spending and buying things you may not necessarily need. Set a budget and stick with it.
Another practical tip is to think about storage for the supplies that you plan to use again. Typically small to large plastic totes, buckets, or baskets will help you keep everything together and in one place. Don't forget to label your storage solutions so you know what's in them.
Last but not least, look into supplies that can be rented. Oftentimes, this can help you save money in a few areas. If you need extra tables, chairs, industrial-size trash cans, and the like - most of those can be rented from a party place.
Final Thoughts
Gathering the supplies you need for your next amazing party doesn't have to be stressful. Use our suggestions and lists above to get exactly what you need for every party you plan.
We'd love to hear from you! What are some must-have supplies you need for your parties? Let us know in the comments below!