What You Need for Every May Party Theme (Easy Shopping Guide)
Use this as your go-to party supply list for every May gathering shared in the “22 Simple & Fun May Party Theme Ideas” blog post.
This May party shopping list covers everything you need for Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day, brunches, BBQs, and more.
Now that you’ve read the post on May party themes, you’re probably planning your next May event (I know I am). This May party shopping guide is organized to match each section of the party theme post, so you can shop by the moment in May you’re planning. Everything is focused on keeping the costs down, reusing what you already have, and making your gathering feel special without stressing your wallet.
Pro Tip: Before buying anything, pull out what you already own. White plates, cleaned wine bottles, and glass jars can go a long way.
Early May shopping
Let’s cover your Cinco de Mayo, Derby, and May Day themes. These stand out as the most festive of May’s options.
Cinco de Mayo Party Supplies
Adding color to your party with items you can pick up from the dollar store can go a long way! For Cinco de Mayo, grab plates in red, white, and green for only a few dollars!
While they’re great for serving food, you can also make creative decor with them. Check out this post from Spot of Tea Designs that show 10 different ways to use plates as decorations.
This decoration kit works well because it includes the papel picado banner, a runner, and paper flowers. I love this one to create a vignette where food and drink can be served.
Margarita Madness Party Supply List
If you’re looking to wow guests with margaritas, you don’t have to buy all new glasses (unless you want to!). There are some cute disposable styles out there from classy to fun!
Make sure to be prepared to rim your margaritas with salt or Tajín. Either use your own small plates or spring for a cocktail salt & Tajín rim kit for your margaritas!
Kentucky Derby Party Essentials
Send out an invitation asking your guests to dress for the Derby, and, if anyone forgets to bring a hat, you can offer them a fascinator or have a station where they can create a unique hat!
What do you need for a mint julep?
Next, get your Julep station ready. From using real metal mint julep cups to these cute plastic cups that celebrate the races, you’re able to honor the tradition in a cute way.
Classic Mint Julep Recipe
Ingredients:
-Fresh mint leaves (about 8–10, plus a sprig for garnish)
-½ oz simple syrup (or 1–2 sugar cubes)
-2 oz bourbon (traditionally a Kentucky bourbon)
-Crushed ice
Instructions:
-Gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup (or sugar + a splash of water) in the bottom of a julep cup or glass. Don’t over-muddle—you want to release the oils, not shred the leaves.
-Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice.
-Pour in the bourbon.
-Stir until the outside of the cup becomes frosty.
-Top with more crushed ice to form a mound.
-Garnish with a fresh mint sprig (give it a light slap first to release aroma).
*A modern twist on the Mint Julep is adding a splash of club soda to make it less harsh
Your bourbon choice will be based on your budget, but it may be fun to know that Woodford Reserve is the official Derby bourbon.
Have bunches of mint sitting in cold water ready to muddle next to your simple syrup.
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Pro Tip: Grab a “Best Hat” ribbon and award it to one of your guests at the end of the night.
May Day Flower Love
May Day Flower Crown Workshop Petals & Prosecco
If you’re planning on hosting a flower crown workshop or a Petals and Prosecco party (or a combined version celebrating both), you’re going to need crown making materials and prosecco and all the fixings.
Flower Crowns Materials:
- Green floral tape
- Floral wire
- A variety of flowers (your local grocery store is the perfect spot to grab these)
Add the Bubbly
Stock up for a prosecco bar. Look for brands that aren’t too expensive but have a good reputation.
Then, add mixers. I’ve been holding on to my white wine bottles, washing them, and removing the labels, so I can repurpose them with mixers like peach nectar, orange juice, and strawberry puree, which I use for my Strawberry Vodka Prosecco cocktail.
Don’t forget the glasses! There are some adorable disposable coupe “glasses” on Amazon, but I fell in love with my Walmart purchase because the price was so reasonable and they are gorgeous.
Mid-May Party Shopping
After celebrating all of the early May national events, it’s time to celebrate the beauty of the month. Why not do it with brunches, and the peony moment? Mid-May is elegant and floral, and it’s time to know what to buy for a party that your guests will remember.
Teas, Peonies & Brunch
The general vibe of the Peony Premiere, The Secret Garden Tea, The “Main Squeeze” Brunch, and Rosé All Day is the love of outdoors and whimsy. Whether you choose one of these themes or combine a few, it’s the perfect time for a mid-day party.
Below is a list of items to help build out your party and make it memorable.
Brunch Party Supply List:
- Mismatched teacups and saucers
- Tiered cake stands (disposable or porcelain will work!)
- Linen napkins
- Fresh peonies
- Bud vases
- Rosé wine
Money saving tips: Low bud vases for your flowers don’t have to cost a lot of money. I’ve found great vases at the dollar store. Cluster between 3-5 vases together down the table instead of one big arrangement.
Pro Tip: If you still have the repurposed wine bottles, you can fill them with fresh water and place them down the table or use them as bud vases!
Mom’s Night & Spring Dinner
When looking for a more chill night, Mom’s Night In and Spring Awakening Dinner are the way to go. You don’t need much for decor because whatever you choose for your menu will matter for dinner, and the night in is snacks and photo albums!
Mom’s Night
Gather all of your photo albums and grab a few snacks to knosh on.
Spring Dinner
White taper candles and holders will set the ambiance as the sun sets.
A white linen tablecloth is a worthwhile purchase because you can use it again and again. I bought six over a decade ago and use them throughout the year constantly.
Spring herbs are gorgeous. Place small potted rosemary, basil, thyme, and whatever else you love down the table. It can double as decor and a party favor to take home.
Late May Fun
It’s getting warmer, and everyone’s feeling the vibes for BBQs, bonfires, and outdoor movies.
Seafood Boil
This is where formal and fancy get switched to casual. This is the time for low-key events, so what you need to celebrate is more basic.
Memorial Day BBQ Supplies
Sunset Dinner, S’mores & Starlight
Al Fresco Sunset S’mores & Starlight
Long folding tables are necessary for your al fresco dinner. You can line two folding tables up if you have a bunch of people. Try to rent or borrow before buying.
S’mores board supplies should go beyond the basics of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
S’mores Board Supplies:
- Reese’s Cups
- Nutella
- Flavored marshmallows
- Cookies (instead of graham crackers)
You’ll Also Need:
- Roasting sticks
- Fire pit or tabletop fire bowl
- Blankets
Outdoor Movie
- Portable projector
- Screen or white sheet
- Outdoor blankets
- Inflatable loungers or air couches
- Popcorn supplies
- Candy
Modern Picnic
Decorate with a wicker picnic basket. It’s a classic display vessel for the picnic theme. Fill it with wrapped sandwiches and snacks. I bought mine from Facebook Marketplace at a steal of a price. You don’t have to purchase a new one if you don’t want to.
Don’t forget to grab some frisbees and lawn games such as cornhole, bocce, or a simple frisbee set. Keep guests active before the food comes out.
The Hostess-Focused Themes
Charcuterie Challenge Berry Sweet Celebration Coastal Craving Farmers’ Market Feast
Grab a large charcuterie board and ask guests to bring their own for the challenge.
Coastal table décor will consist of shells, rope-wrapped votives, and a blue-and-white color palette. Thrift store and Facebook marketplace finds work well here.
The Universal Shopping List
These items work across nearly every theme on the list. Stock up once and you’re set for the whole season. These are the hosting essentials that you will use again and again. Some may feel familiar from my post “Simple Entertaining Essentials To Impress Without the Stress”.
- White serving plates become the go-to backdrop for any theme. If you invest in those, you can inexpensively decorate any theme around them if you want.
- Glass bud vases are great to cluster in threes for instant charm. This doesn’t have to be a large investment. Try the local dollar store, or clean wine bottles work just as well.
- Candle votives can be bought in bulk. Scatter them everywhere, and they warm up any outdoor setting after dark.
- Cocktail napkins can be bought in bulk, too. Go for neutral linen-look paper napkins that style up any bar setup without looking disposable.
- Acrylic wine glasses are perfect for outdoor safety and actually pretty now. Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls always offer a great selection inexpensively.
- Ice buckets: one for wine, one for beer or canned cocktails. Galvanized tubs double as decor.
At the end of the day, you don’t need everything on this list to host something beautiful. A few thoughtful details, a simple setup, and good company are what make a May gathering feel special. Start with what you have, add a few fun touches, and enjoy the moment.
