What to Buy for a Board Game Night

A board game night needs more than games and chairs. Plan supplies by table, then cover the shared buffet, drinks station and reception desk. For each playing group, allow score pads, pencils, timers and a clear place for loose pieces. Drinks, snacks, coffee and tea should be ready before guests arrive, while name badges and serving equipment prevent small delays during registration and breaks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Board game tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 28
Buffet table
Coat rack
Tableclothsqty 7

Game materials

Board gamesqty 24
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 12
Game component binsqty 12
Game instruction cardsqty 12
Kitchen timersqty 6
Score padsqty 12
Pencilsqty 30

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 24
Platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving boardsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Bottle openersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Decorations

Name badgesqty 30
Table signsqty 6
Buntingqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop
Bucket

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Lemonade - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sandwiches - 36 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 2 loaves
- Baguettes - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 800 grams
- Vegan cheese - 2 packages
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Cheese cubes - 1 kilo
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Mandarins - 2 kilos
- Chocolate bars - 12 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs

Tips

Set aside one score pad and at least two pencils per game table, plus spare pencils at the reception desk. Pencils disappear quickly when several games run at once.
Prepare one component bin for each game with loose pieces, dice and instructions. Add a spare set of dice and replacement pieces before shopping day, not after the first game starts.
For the drinks station, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add water and enough glasses for one per guest. Chill bottles several hours before doors open and keep a cooler available.
Match tableware to the food you are serving: use plates for larger snacks, bowls for shared small bites, and serving spoons for every bowl. Put out at least one extra serving spoon per buffet section.
Check power before guests arrive if you use a coffee maker, kettle, speaker or table lamps. Bring power strips and extension cords, and keep cables away from walkways and game corners.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a board game night?: Buy or bring board games, card games, dice, component bins, instruction cards, score pads and pencils. Add drinks, snacks, coffee, tea, glasses, plates, bowls, cutlery and serving utensils for the shared table.
How many drinks do I need for a board game night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then adjust for the expected length of the evening. Include water and keep at least one clean glass per guest available at the drinks station.
How many pencils and score sheets are needed per game table?: Prepare at least two pencils and one score pad per active game table, plus a small reserve at reception. For six tables, that means at least 12 pencils and six score pads before adding spares.
When should I chill drinks for board game night?: Chill bottled and canned drinks several hours before guests arrive. Put the drinks into coolers shortly before opening so the station stays cold while people register and choose a game.

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