What Party Essentials Do People Forget Most Often?

• Add these overlooked party essentials to your list to ensure a smooth party from start to finish.
• Fill in gaps on your party list with supplies from the Ultimate Party Super Store.

Of course, you'll need food, tableware, and decorations for any party, but what other party essentials should be on your list? Instead of racking your brain, wondering, “What party supplies do I need?”, let Ultimate Party help with a list of things that are often overlooked and forgotten. Even small items can make a big difference in the ease and convenience of throwing a party.

Ice

At the top of our list of forgotten party essentials is definitely ice. If you don't have a big freezer, you'll need to plan to send someone on an ice run the day of the party to fill your coolers. Be sure to leave some bags of ice unopened so guests have sanitary ice for beverages. And however many bags you think you'll need, grab a couple more just to be safe!

Trash Bags, Paper Towels, & Toilet Paper

Your party essentials list also needs to include clean-up supplies like trash bags and paper towels. Your trash cans will fill up fast, so consider getting strong flex trash bags to contain the mess.

Extra toilet paper is often forgotten, and when you're throwing a kids' party, expect the young guests to go overboard in that department. Wet wipes can also be helpful for when kids tear into a cake topped with colorful icing.

Serving Utensils

Your party essentials list includes food, plates, napkins, and plasticware, but does it also include serving utensils? Big spoons, tongs, and ladles will be needed for parties with a buffet-style food station.

Hospitality Items

When wondering, “What party supplies do I need?”, consider the number of guests you will have and aim to make older guests feel as comfortable as possible. That means providing enough seating and chairs. While kids and spry adults may be fine standing for long periods, grandparents and older guests may need less time on their feet to make it through the entire party.

Other hospitality items you may want on your party essentials list include bottle openers, corkscrews to open wine bottles, and drink coasters.

Music

Focusing on conversation with guests is great, but it's also nice to have some background music playing. Figure out if you'll use a home stereo system or if you'll need to charge a portable speaker. A spare, fully-charged Bluetooth speaker is also a good idea for your party essentials list. Next, plan a playlist or choose a station in your favorite music app.

To-Go Containers

You don't want to be stuck with pounds of pasta salad and other party foods that would go to waste in a few days. Instead, send guests home with extras in disposable to-go containers. It's also a nice gesture to make take-home meals for guests who couldn't make it to the party.

Extension Cords and Power Strips

You'd be surprised at how power outlets start running out during a party! Between crockpots, phone chargers, lights, and speakers, you'll be happy when you've already gathered up extension cords and powerstrips to keep the party running.

Take Care of Yourself

On the day of the party, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of prepping for the arrival of guests. Don't forget to stop and eat something before the party starts. Plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you could be running about serving guests.

Suppose you're still wondering, “What party supplies do I need?”, head on over to the Ultimate Party Super Store! We've got a massive selection of decorations, tableware, balloons, and party supplies for every party, from birthdays to graduations, holidays, baby showers, sports parties, and more.