What to Buy for a Cabaret Evening

A cabaret evening needs more than chairs and a microphone. Your shopping list should cover the audience, performers, drinks service, stage setup and backstage needs. Plan tableware for every registered guest plus a small reserve, and check technical equipment before the day rather than discovering a missing cable during setup. Use this list alongside your run sheet, dietary information and final visitor count so shopping and equipment collection happen on time.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
Tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 2
Dressing room tablesqty 2
Changing room chairsqty 6

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee mugsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8
Pitchersqty 6

Equipment

Wireless microphonesqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
HDMI cable
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 2
Cable matsqty 6

Decorations

Backdrop
Tableclothsqty 8
Welcome sign
Program standsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free pilsner - 1 crate
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Pretzel sticks - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 3 tubs
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Mini sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Vegan mini sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack

Tips

Count one drinking glass, one plate and one cutlery set per guest, then add roughly 10% extra for breakages, late arrivals and items left backstage. Include coffee mugs separately if coffee is served.
For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person; after that, plan around one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers several hours before guests arrive, not just during room setup.
Check the sound chain at least 24 hours before the performance: wireless microphones, speakers, mixer, laptop, HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips must work together. Bring at least one spare cable if available.
Prepare the backstage area for the number of performers, with one dressing-room table and chair per person where space allows. Keep working lights separate from stage lighting so artists can change safely.
Measure the stage and backdrop before buying or collecting décor, and cover tables before catering arrives. Place cable mats as soon as lights and sound are installed so guests do not encounter loose cables.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for a cabaret evening?: Plan one drinking glass per guest for the reception, plus about 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 glasses; add more if glasses will remain on tables between acts.
How many drinks should I buy for a cabaret evening?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person. For each additional hour, allow about one drink per person, then add 10% for performers, staff and unexpected demand.
What sound equipment is needed for a cabaret evening?: You need microphones, speakers, a mixer, microphone stands, a laptop if music or presentations are used, an HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours before the event.
When should I chill the drinks for a cabaret evening?: Start chilling drinks several hours before guests arrive, using coolers with enough space for air to circulate. Do not leave this until the room setup begins, when tables, cables and stage equipment need attention.

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.