What to Buy for a Card Game Night

A card game night needs more than a few decks of cards. Plan for enough table space, seating, score sheets, pens, drinks, snacks, and a simple coffee station so players can stay at their tables. Keep spare games and protective sleeves available in case a deck is missing cards or gets damaged. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and chill drinks early enough for the first arrival.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 28
Tableclothsqty 6
Clothing rack

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 36
Coffee mugsqty 24
Platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 24
Forksqty 36
Knivesqty 36
Teaspoonsqty 36
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving tongsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Card gamesqty 12
Spare card gamesqty 2
Card Shufflersqty 2
Card protective sleevesqty 6
Score padsqty 6
Pensqty 24
Kitchen timersqty 4
Game rule cardsqty 12

Decorations

Table numbersqty 6
Welcome sign
Balloonsqty 24
Paper garlandsqty 4

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Cooling matsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Peach ice tea - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Salty pretzels - 2 bags
- Savory snacks - 2 bags
- Olives - 2 jars
- Toasts - 4 packs
- Whole grain crackers - 3 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Wraps - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Egg salad - 3 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 18 pieces
- Mini brownies - 24 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 2 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- 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 - 2 packs

Tips

Allow one table for each active game, plus at least one spare surface for snacks, drinks, and unused games. Set out table numbers so players can find their assigned game quickly.
Pack at least one spare card game and enough pens for every table, with two extra pens in reserve. Score pads and rule cards are easy to overlook when the games themselves are already packed.
Plan roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for longer sessions. Chill bottled or canned drinks before guests arrive and keep a cooler nearby if the main refrigerator is full.
Provide one glass, plate, bowl, fork, knife, and teaspoon per guest, plus about 10% extra. Serving platters, spoons, and tongs prevent guests from handling shared food with game pieces nearby.
Set up coffee and hot water before the first round starts. Test coffee machines, kettles, extension cords, and power strips in advance so players are not interrupted by a last-minute setup problem.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a card game night?: You need card games, spare decks, rules, score pads, pens, tables, chairs, tableware, drinks, snacks, and coffee supplies. Add table numbers and a welcome sign if guests will be assigned to different games.
How many tables do I need for a card game night?: Plan one table for each game running at the same time. Add one extra surface for the buffet and drinks, and keep at least one spare table available if the venue allows it.
How many card games should I buy for a game night?: Prepare at least one game for every active table, plus one spare game. If guests have different experience levels, include several options and check the rules before the event.
How much food and drink should I buy for card game night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more for each additional hour. Buy about 10% more plates, glasses, bowls, and cutlery than the confirmed guest count.

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