Whether you need tableware or small extras, here's the full checklist. Looking for decoration ideas specifically? See our decoration ideas guide.
Tableware
The core essentials
- Plates, cups, and napkins in a coordinated color or theme cover most of the table setup.
- Plastic or compostable cutlery simplifies cleanup for a casual party.
- A tablecloth in a matching color pulls the whole table setting together.
Small Extras
Easy to forget, worth listing out
- Candles (and a lighter or matches) are easy to forget until the cake is ready to go.
- Confetti or table scatter adds a finished look to an otherwise plain table.
- Small party favors or a favor bag for each guest are worth having ready before guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most commonly forgotten party supply?
Candles and a lighter are frequently forgotten until the last minute, since they're not needed until the cake itself is ready.
Do I need party favors for every celebration?
Not necessarily — favors are more common at kids' parties, while adult celebrations often skip them without it feeling incomplete.
How do I estimate how many supplies to buy?
Buying tableware for slightly more than your confirmed guest count accounts for any last-minute additions or unexpected extra servings.