How many party supplies do you need?

Count it for your party

The calculator adds a spare share for spills, unexpected guests, or second drinks. This buffer ensures everyone has what they need, like an extra Champagne Flute or Party Cup.

Count guests, then add a buffer

Start with your final guest count, then add a buffer for each item. This spare share covers spills, extra helpings, and unexpected plus-ones. For items like Party Cups or Dessert Cups, a 10% buffer is a good starting point. If you have 100 guests, planning for 110 ensures you don’t run short. Our larger packs of Dessert Cups, like the 150-count pack, can help you cover both your guests and the buffer with a single purchase.

Planning for toasts and cocktails

For a special toast, plan on two Champagne Flutes per person: one for arrival and one for the main event. A 50-guest party would need 100 flutes, plus spares. Our 150-piece pack of Champagne Flutes covers this scenario well. For drinks throughout the evening, estimate three Party Cups per guest. People often misplace their drinks, so having plenty on hand keeps things running smoothly.

For cocktails with garnishes, plan on about three Cocktail Picks per guest over the course of an event. With our packs ranging from 100 to 3,000 pieces, you can easily cover a small gathering or a large celebration. A smart touch for guests who prefer beer or soda is to have a few extra Can Coolers on hand. You can find these in packs of 12 for smaller get-togethers.

Serving food and desserts safely

When serving a buffet, provide one to two Dessert Cups per person for items like mousse or fruit salad. Our 100-count and 150-count packs of Dessert Cups work well for portioning treats ahead of time. For food safety, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service advises that perishable food should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, this time drops to one hour. Using individual Party Cups for snacks also helps manage portions.

Gifts and favors for your guests

Plan on one party favor for each confirmed guest. It is wise to have a small buffer for unexpected plus-ones. Can Coolers are a popular favor, and since they come in packs from 12 to 100, you can find a quantity that fits your event. For a barbecue with 40 guests, a 50-pack of Can Coolers provides enough for everyone. The same one-per-person rule applies to other take-home party favors, ensuring no one leaves empty-handed.

A note on safety for young children

Some party supplies are not for young children. Following guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, items with small parts are not for children under three. This includes decorative pieces like our Cocktail Picks, which can be a choking hazard. When setting up, keep these items away from where young children will be. For instance, any party favors or Can Coolers with small attachments should be reserved for adult guests only.

Per-guest counts

This table offers a quick per-guest guide for common party supplies to help you get started with your calculations.