What to Buy for a Cabaret Evening

A cabaret evening needs more than drinks and snacks. You also need the right glasses, serving equipment, coffee supplies and practical items for a smooth reception and performance. Plan quantities from your final guest list, then add a small buffer for breakages, spills and late arrivals. Keep drinks chilled before guests arrive, and check that every technical item has a cable, power source or backup where needed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 4
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio mixer
Music player
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Gaffer tapeqty 2
Laptop

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 2

Tableware

Water glassesqty 70
Wine glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Napkin holderqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Table runnersqty 6
Decorative clothsqty 4
Welcome sign
Program standsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucketqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 12 cans
- Ginger beer - 12 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsener - 48 bottles
- Dry white wine - 8 bottles
- Dry red wine - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free white wine - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Olives - 4 jars
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Vegan vegetable spread - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Name stickers - 70 pieces
- Printing paper - 1 pack
- Pens - 10 pieces

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Include water as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and chill drinks at least four hours beforehand.
Allow one plate, fork, napkin and drinking glass per guest, plus roughly 10% extra. For a seated meal or buffet, prepare enough serving trays and table space before the food arrives.
Set aside coffee cups, kettles, a coffee maker and thermos flasks before the event starts. A practical guide is one coffee cup per guest, with enough hot water and coffee for at least one serving each.
Keep the performance area clear and tape down extension cords and power strips with gaffer tape. Test wireless microphones, active speakers, the audio mixer and lighting at least 60 minutes before doors open.
Prepare the reception and buffet tables before guests arrive, including water glasses, wine glasses, napkin holders and serving trays. Leave a separate, labelled spot for dietary-requirement items so they are not mixed up.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a cabaret evening?: For the first hour, plan two to three drinks per guest, then one drink per person for each extra hour. Include still or sparkling water, soft drinks and non-alcoholic choices, and chill everything at least four hours before the doors open.
How many glasses and plates do I need for a cabaret evening?: Start with one plate, fork, napkin and drinking glass per guest, then add 10% extra. Provide separate wine glasses if wine is served, and keep additional glasses available for breakages and changes during the evening.
How much coffee should I buy for a cabaret evening?: Plan at least one cup of coffee per guest, using one coffee cup per person plus about 10% extra. Have kettles, a coffee maker and thermos flasks ready before guests arrive so coffee service does not interrupt the programme.
When should I test the sound and lighting for a cabaret evening?: Complete the full sound and lighting check at least 60 minutes before doors open. Test both wireless microphones, the speakers, mixer, music player, LED spots and every extension cord, then secure loose cables with gaffer tape.

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