What you need for a 1980s themed evening

Use this shopping list to prepare a 1980s themed evening without discovering missing supplies during setup. It covers food service, drinks, tableware, buffet equipment, decorations, lighting and the technology needed for music and a quiz. Check quantities against your guest count, then shop early enough to chill drinks and prepare buffet dishes on the day. Borrowing tables, speakers, coffee machines or a projection screen can also reduce last-minute shopping.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving trays with lidsqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Laptop
Projection screen

Lighting

Colored String Lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8

Decorations

Neon decorqty 4
1980s postersqty 12
Metallic garlandsqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 50
Quiz answer sheetsqty 60
Pensqty 30
Quiz prizesqty 3

Cleaning

Trash bagsqty 30
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 750 grams
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Potatoes - 5 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 1 liter
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Pizza dough - 12 rolls
- Tomato sauce - 8 jars
- Grated cheese - 1,5 kilos
- Mushrooms - 1 kilo
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 2 kilo
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Diet-friendly snacks - 10 portions
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Vegan pizza cheese - 500 grams
- Vegan toppings - 500 grams
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person per hour. Chill the first batch several hours before guests arrive and keep extra drinks in coolers.
Allow one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass, one knife, one fork and one spoon per guest, plus roughly 10% extra. For a group of 40, that means 44 of each reusable item where possible.
Buy or prepare buffet food in portions that cover the full guest count, including dietary requirements collected with the registrations. Put serving spoons, platters, trays with lids and small bowls out before the food arrives.
Test the laptop, Bluetooth speakers, microphone, projection screen, power strips and extension cords at least 24 hours beforehand. Bring spare connection cables if the music or quiz depends on them.
Set aside 60–90 minutes for room setup, including tables, chairs, buffet tables, 80s decorations, colored string lights and LED lamps. Put waste bins, coat racks and name badges in place before the first guest enters.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a 1980s themed evening?: Buy food and drinks, dinner and dessert plates, glasses, cutlery, coffee supplies, buffet serving items, 80s decorations, colored string lights and LED lamps. You will also need working music and quiz equipment, including speakers, a laptop, a microphone and a projection screen if the quiz uses one.
How much tableware do I need for an 80s party?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, knife, fork and spoon per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 of each item so breakages and replacements do not leave someone without tableware.
When should I shop for a 1980s themed party?: Buy non-perishable food, decorations and disposable or borrowed equipment 3–7 days beforehand. Purchase fresh food 1 day before the event, and chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
What equipment do I need for the music and quiz?: Prepare Bluetooth speakers, a laptop, a microphone, power strips and extension cords; add a projection screen if quiz questions or scores will be shown. Test every connection at least 24 hours before the evening and allow 15 minutes before opening for the final setup.

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