Board game night shopping list

A board game night needs more than a stack of games. Plan supplies by table, then add what guests need between rounds: drinks, snacks, plates, napkins and a clear coffee station. For a group of 20, five tables of four usually work well, with one game setup per table. Check dietary requirements before shopping, chill drinks several hours ahead, and keep spare pens, dice and score sheets available so one missing component does not stop a game.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 7
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Reception desk
Stoolsqty 4

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 30
Score padsqty 8
Pensqty 40
Hourglassesqty 6
Game matsqty 7

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 32
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Small bowlsqty 14
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pitchersqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Table lampsqty 7

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 7
Name badgesqty 35
Name badgesqty 7
Menusqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop
Bucket
Cleaning glovesqty 3
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Cashews - 2 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Wraps - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus wraps - 30 pieces
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Pesto - 2 jars
- Mixed Salad - 4 bags
- Pasta salad - 4 bowls
- Vegetarian quiche - 4 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Set up one game area per table and keep the required boards, cards, dice, score pads and pens together. Add at least one spare pen and a small bowl for loose components at each table.
For drinks, allow roughly two to three servings per person for the first hour, then one serving per person for each additional hour. Chill bottles and cans at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
Buy snacks that can be eaten between turns and provide small bowls, plates and serving spoons. For 20 guests, plan about 150–200 g of snacks per person, including options that match the dietary requirements collected.
Prepare the coffee station with enough cups, a coffee maker, kettles or thermos flasks, plus milk, sugar and teaspoons. Fill thermos flasks shortly before opening so coffee is ready during the first game.
Check the room layout before shopping for extras: allow about 1.2 metres around each table for players and chairs. Confirm extension cords, power strips and table lamps at least one day before the event.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a board game night?: Plan games, cards, dice, score pads, pens and any timers needed for the selected games. You will also need tables, chairs, drinks, snacks, plates, glasses, bowls, serving utensils and coffee supplies. Check the game rules and missing components at least 2 days beforehand.
How many board games do I need for 20 people?: Prepare at least one playable game for each table, so five games for five tables of four is a practical minimum. Bring two or three extra games with different player counts in case a group finishes early or attendance changes.
How much food and drink should I buy for game night?: For snacks, allow about 150–200 g per person for a 3–4 hour evening, split between sweet and savoury options. Buy two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per person for each following hour, and shop no later than the day before.
What should I prepare the day before a board game night?: Confirm the guest list and dietary requirements, check every selected game, and complete the main shopping. Set aside tableware, lighting, cables and coffee equipment, then chill drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive.

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.