What you need for a card afternoon

A card afternoon needs more than decks of cards. Plan the playing materials, tables, seating, drinks and serving items before guests arrive. For each table, allow a complete set of cards, score pads, pens and tokens, then add a few spare supplies for lost or damaged items. Drinks, coffee, tea and snacks are easiest to manage when they are ready before registration opens. Use the confirmed attendance list to scale quantities rather than guessing.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Side tablesqty 3
Tableclothsqty 8

Game materials

Playing cardsqty 12
Score padsqty 12
Pensqty 36
Tokensqty 300
Playing card holdersqty 12
Egg timersqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 36
Glassesqty 36
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Napkin holdersqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cake serversqty 2

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3

Decorations

Welcome sign
Table decorationsqty 8
Name badgesqty 36
Balloonsqty 30
Ribbonsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Beer - 24 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Butter - 500 grams
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 48 pieces
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 750 grams
- Chicken breast topping - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Cheese cubes - 1 kilo
- Olives - 3 jars
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Coffee pastries - 36 pieces
- Apple pies - 3 pieces
- Whipped cream - 6 cans
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Count one playing-card set, score pad, pen and token set per game table, plus at least one spare set for the whole room. Check every deck before the day rather than discovering missing cards during the first round.
Allow one chair per participant and one table for each active group, with a separate side table for registration, drinks or prizes. Set out the tablecloths and card holders before guests arrive so game tables are ready immediately.
For the first hour, plan two to three drinks per person, then keep water available in jugs. Chill bottled or canned drinks at least four hours ahead, and prepare enough coffee and tea for the first serving before registration begins.
Set out one cup and glass per expected guest, plus roughly 10 percent extra for replacements. Put plates, cutlery, napkins and serving spoons beside the snacks instead of leaving them in boxes until the break.
Prepare the welcome sign, name badges and attendance list before doors open. Keep prizes together on a marked table and place waste bins where people can reach them without leaving the game area.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a card afternoon?: Plan playing cards, score pads, pens, tokens and card holders for each active table, plus one spare set. You will also need cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, napkins, drinks, coffee, tea, snacks and serving equipment.
How many card decks do I need for a card afternoon?: Buy or bring one complete deck for every table using cards, then add at least one spare deck for the event. Check the decks one day before the afternoon so missing or damaged cards can be replaced.
How many drinks should I provide per guest?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, including water and other refreshments. Chill drinks at least four hours in advance and keep extra water available throughout the afternoon.
When should I set up a card afternoon?: Set up tables, chairs, tablecloths and game materials at least 60 minutes before guests arrive. Finish coffee, tea, snacks, registration materials and the prize table 15 to 30 minutes before opening.

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