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.psc-intro h2{font-size:1.5em;margin-bottom:12px;color:#1a1a1a}
.psc-form{background:#f8f7f5;border-radius:12px;padding:28px 24px;margin-bottom:28px}
.psc-field{margin-bottom:22px}
.psc-field label{display:block;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:8px;font-size:15px;color:#222}
.psc-field .hint{font-size:13px;color:#777;margin-top:4px}
.psc-slider-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px}
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.psc-slider-val{font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#e8631a;min-width:48px;text-align:center}
.psc-options{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px}
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.psc-results h3{font-size:1.3em;margin-bottom:4px;color:#1a1a1a}
.psc-results .sub{color:#666;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:14px}
.psc-table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:20px}
.psc-table th{text-align:left;padding:10px 12px;background:#f8f7f5;font-size:14px;border-bottom:2px solid #e0e0e0}
.psc-table td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #eee;font-size:14px}
.psc-table tr:hover{background:#fdf5f0}
.psc-qty{font-weight:700;font-size:16px;color:#e8631a}
.psc-shop-link{color:#e8631a;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;font-size:13px}
.psc-shop-link:hover{text-decoration:underline}
.psc-cost{background:#f0faf0;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:20px}
.psc-cost strong{font-size:18px;color:#1a7a1a}
.psc-dl{background:#f8f7f5;border-radius:8px;padding:20px;text-align:center}
.psc-dl p{margin-bottom:12px;font-size:14px;color:#555}
.psc-dl-btn{display:inline-block;background:#333;color:#fff;padding:12px 28px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;border:none;font-size:14px;transition:background .2s}
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.psc-print-btn{display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#e8631a;border:2px solid #e8631a;padding:10px 24px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;font-size:14px;margin-top:8px;transition:all .2s}
.psc-print-btn:hover{background:#e8631a;color:#fff}
.psc-faq{margin-top:36px}
.psc-faq h3{font-size:1.2em;margin-bottom:16px}
.psc-faq-item{border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:14px 0}
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.psc-faq-q.open::after{content:”−”}
.psc-faq-a{display:none;padding-top:10px;line-height:1.7;color:#555;font-size:14px}
.psc-faq-a.open{display:block}
.psc-tip{background:#fff8f0;border-left:4px solid #e8631a;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6}
@media(max-width:600px){.psc-form{padding:20px 16px}.psc-options{gap:6px}.psc-opt{padding:8px 14px;font-size:13px}}
(function(){
var g=document.getElementById(‘psc-guests’),gv=document.getElementById(‘psc-guests-val’);
g.oninput=function(){gv.textContent=g.value};
document.querySelectorAll(‘.psc-options’).forEach(function(grp){
grp.querySelectorAll(‘.psc-opt’).forEach(function(o){
o.onclick=function(){
grp.querySelectorAll(‘.psc-opt’).forEach(function(x){x.classList.remove(‘active’)});
o.classList.add(‘active’);
};
});
});
document.querySelectorAll(‘.psc-faq-q’).forEach(function(q){
q.onclick=function(){
q.classList.toggle(‘open’);
q.nextElementSibling.classList.toggle(‘open’);
};
});
var shopLinks={
plates:’/product-category/party-supplies/’,
cups:’/product-category/party-supplies/’,
napkins:’/product-category/party-supplies/’,
utensils:’/product-category/party-supplies/’,
tablecloths:’/product-category/party-supplies/’,
balloons:’/product-category/balloons/’,
hats:’/product-category/party-hats/’,
blowers:’/product/party-blowers-noisemakers-12-pack-funny-birthday-horns/’
};
function getActive(id){
var el=document.querySelector(‘#’+id+’ .psc-opt.active’);
return el?el.getAttribute(‘data-v’):”;
}
document.getElementById(‘psc-calc’).onclick=function(){
var guests=parseInt(g.value);
var type=getActive(‘psc-type’);
var meal=getActive(‘psc-meal’);
var kids=getActive(‘psc-kids’);
var base={plates:2,cups:3,napkins:5,utensils:2,tablecloths:0.125,balloons:3,ice:1.5,hats:1,blowers:1};
if(meal===’buffet’){base.plates=3;base.napkins=6}
if(meal===’appetizers’){base.plates=2;base.utensils=1;base.napkins=4}
if(meal===’dessert’){base.plates=1.5;base.utensils=1.5;base.napkins=3}
if(kids===’mostly’){base.napkins*=1.3;base.cups*=1.2;base.hats=1.2;base.blowers=1.2}
if(kids===’some’){base.napkins*=1.1;base.hats=1.1}
if(type===’bbq’){base.napkins*=1.3;base.ice*=2;base.plates=3}
if(type===’wedding’){base.napkins*=1.2;base.utensils=3;base.balloons=4}
if(type===’holiday’){base.ice*=0.7}
var buffer=1.2;
var items=[
{name:’Dinner & Dessert Plates’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.plates*buffer),unit:’plates’,note:’Main course + dessert/cake plate per guest’,key:’plates’,price:[0.08,0.25]},
{name:’Cups’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.cups*buffer),unit:’cups’,note:’People lose track of cups — 3 per head is standard’,key:’cups’,price:[0.06,0.20]},
{name:’Napkins’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.napkins*buffer),unit:’napkins’,note:’Spills, sticky fingers, wrapping leftovers’,key:’napkins’,price:[0.02,0.08]},
{name:’Forks, Spoons & Knives’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.utensils*buffer),unit:’sets’,note:’One set per course served’,key:’utensils’,price:[0.10,0.30]},
{name:’Tablecloths’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.tablecloths*buffer),unit:’cloths’,note:’1 per table — figure 8 guests per table’,key:’tablecloths’,price:[1.50,5.00]},
{name:’Balloons’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.balloons*buffer),unit:’balloons’,note:’Scattered decor — arches need way more’,key:’balloons’,price:[0.10,0.50]},
{name:’Party Hats’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.hats*buffer),unit:’hats’,note:’One per guest plus spares’,key:’hats’,price:[0.30,1.00]},
{name:’Party Blowers / Noisemakers’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.blowers*buffer),unit:’pieces’,note:’Classic birthday fun — kids love these’,key:’blowers’,price:[0.20,0.60]},
{name:’Ice’,qty:Math.ceil(guests*base.ice*buffer),unit:’lbs’,note:’Drinks + keeping food cold’,key:’ice’,price:[0.15,0.30]}
];
var tbody=document.getElementById(‘psc-tbody’);
tbody.innerHTML=”;
var costLow=0,costHigh=0;
items.forEach(function(it){
var low=it.qty*it.price[0],high=it.qty*it.price[1];
costLow+=low;costHigh+=high;
var link=shopLinks[it.key]?’Shop at GINYOU →‘:”;
tbody.innerHTML+=’‘+it.name+’ ‘+it.qty+’ ‘+it.unit+’ ‘+it.note+’ ‘+link+’
Based on average disposable party supply prices. Reusable options cost more upfront but save money over time.‘; var tips={birthday:’Pro move: buy plates in packs of 50 — price per plate drops by about 40% compared to 10-packs.’,bbq:’Outdoor tip: weigh down napkins with a decorative rock or clip. Wind will steal every single one.’,wedding:’Napkin math for weddings: dinner napkin + cocktail napkin + bathroom napkin = 3 types minimum.’,babyshower:’Go with 6-inch dessert plates for most of the food. Baby showers are grazing events, not sit-down dinners.’,holiday:’Holiday hack: buy solid-color supplies (gold, red, green) instead of themed ones — half the price, same look.’,graduation:’Graduation party classic: set up a photo table with props. Budget $15-20 for printable signs and you’re set.’}; document.getElementById(‘psc-tip’).innerHTML=’💡 ‘+typeLabels[type]+’ Tip: ‘+tips[type]; document.getElementById(‘psc-results’).style.display=’block’; document.getElementById(‘psc-results’).scrollIntoView({behavior:’smooth’,block:’start’}); }; })();
Free Party Supply Calculator
I’ve planned enough parties to know the panic of running out of plates halfway through dinner. This calculator uses the same formulas caterers rely on — with a built-in 20% buffer so you’re covered even when Uncle Steve brings his three roommates.
Punch in your guest count, pick your party type, and get an instant shopping list with exact quantities.
Slide to adjust. Includes host + guests.
Your Party Supply Shopping List
| Item | Qty Needed | Why This Many |
|---|
Common Questions
How many plates per person at a party?
Plan for 2-3 plates per guest. One for the main course, one for dessert or cake, and a spare for seconds. At buffets, people grab a fresh plate per trip — so bump it up to 3-4.
How many cups should I buy per guest?
Three cups per person is the safe number. People set down a cup, forget whose it was, and grab a new one. It happens at literally every party.
Why do you add a 20% buffer?
Because plus-ones happen, things spill, and the wind blows napkins off tables. Running short on supplies mid-party is worse than having leftovers. The 20% buffer is what professional event planners use.
How many balloons do I need?
For scattered decoration, plan 2-3 balloons per guest. For a balloon arch, you’ll need 80-120 depending on the arch size. We’re building a dedicated balloon arch calculator — check back soon.
How much ice for an outdoor party?
About 1.5 pounds per person for a standard party. Outdoor summer parties? Double it — 3 pounds per guest. Ice melts way faster than you’d expect.
Based on average disposable party supply prices. Reusable options cost more upfront but save money over time.‘; var tips={birthday:’Pro move: buy plates in packs of 50 — price per plate drops by about 40% compared to 10-packs.’,bbq:’Outdoor tip: weigh down napkins with a decorative rock or clip. Wind will steal every single one.’,wedding:’Napkin math for weddings: dinner napkin + cocktail napkin + bathroom napkin = 3 types minimum.’,babyshower:’Go with 6-inch dessert plates for most of the food. Baby showers are grazing events, not sit-down dinners.’,holiday:’Holiday hack: buy solid-color supplies (gold, red, green) instead of themed ones — half the price, same look.’,graduation:’Graduation party classic: set up a photo table with props. Budget $15-20 for printable signs and you’re set.’}; document.getElementById(‘psc-tip’).innerHTML=’💡 ‘+typeLabels[type]+’ Tip: ‘+tips[type]; document.getElementById(‘psc-results’).style.display=’block’; document.getElementById(‘psc-results’).scrollIntoView({behavior:’smooth’,block:’start’}); }; })();
One More Thing: The Birthday Dog
One thing my party supply calculator never accounts for: the family dog who insists on joining. At our last backyard party, our golden retriever Duke sat under the dessert table the entire time wearing a glitter crown. He looked ridiculous and the kids loved it. If you need one more item on your list, a dog birthday hat runs about five bucks and lasts for years. Check the full dog birthday party supplies collection too.