What you need for an Animal Movie Night

Plan the shopping around three parts of the evening: screening equipment, refreshments and a room that works for guests. You will need more than films and popcorn: cups, serving bowls, coolers, cables and spare batteries are easy to overlook. Check the expected attendance before buying food and drinks, then allow time to chill drinks and prepare the snack buffet. The list below covers the practical supplies for a smooth animal-themed film screening.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 50
Tablesqty 6
Tableclothqty 6
Coat rack

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Laptop
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordqty 4
Power stripqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Bowlsqty 12
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Water jugqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettle
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10

Decorations

Animal postersqty 12
Animal figuresqty 20
Table décorqty 6

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 4
Batteriesqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilogram
- Popcorn salt - 1 tin
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Mini cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Mini rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 6 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper snack bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as other drinks and chill them before guests arrive.
Plan one small snack portion per guest for each film, plus about 10% extra. Use bowls and serving spoons so the snack table can be replenished without guests reaching into large packages.
Count one chair per registered guest and leave a clear route to the entrance, information table and coat rack. Set out tables before arranging the snack buffet so you do not have to move food later.
Test the projector, laptop, speakers, audio mixer and HDMI cable at least 24 hours before the screening. Keep an extension cord and power strip available, and check the film files on the same equipment you will use on the night.
Put animal posters, animal figures and table décor up after the room layout is fixed. Fit fresh batteries in mood lighting before opening and keep spare batteries where the organiser can reach them.

Frequently asked questions

What snacks do I need for an Animal Movie Night?: Plan one snack portion per guest per film, plus 10% extra for late arrivals and seconds. Buy a mix that can be served in bowls and replenished during the programme, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping.
How many drinks should I buy for an Animal Movie Night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every additional hour. Add water for the full group and chill the drinks at least 3 hours before guests arrive.
What equipment is needed for an Animal Movie Night?: You need a projector, projection screen, laptop, speakers, audio mixer and HDMI cable, plus an extension cord and power strip. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours beforehand and check every video file.
How much tableware do I need for an Animal Movie Night?: Provide one cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% spare. Prepare bowls, serving bowls, serving spoons and serving platters before setting out the snack buffet.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.