What to Buy for a Card Game Night

A card game night needs more than a few decks of cards. Plan the table setup, game materials, drinks, snacks and serving items before guests arrive, especially if several games run at once. Use one score pad and several pens per table, and keep spare cards and rules within reach. Buy or gather supplies at least one day ahead, then chill drinks and set out the buffet before the first players arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 6
Buffet table

Game materials

Card gamesqty 12
Standard card gamesqty 12
Poker chip setsqty 6
Score padsqty 8
Pensqty 40
Hourglassesqty 6
Game rules foldersqty 6

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 50
Small bowlsqty 20
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Name badge holdersqty 40
Menu Board

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young matured cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Red bell pepper - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dish sponges - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one gaming table for every 4–6 players, with enough chairs to sit comfortably and space for card games, score pads and drinks. Add one spare chair if the venue allows it.
Allow at least one complete card game or standard deck per table, plus one spare deck for damaged or missing cards. Put game rules folders beside the games instead of making players search for instructions.
Set out two pens and one score pad per table, with extra pens at the buffet table. If rounds are timed, use one hourglass per active table so every group can start and stop together.
For drinks, budget roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive and provide drinking glasses, coffee cups, plates and small bowls.
Prepare about 3–5 snack portions per person for a two- to three-hour evening. Use serving trays and tongs, and keep a separate plate or bowl available for guests with listed dietary requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a card game night?: Plan card games, standard card games, score pads, pens and rules folders, plus tables and chairs. You will also need glasses, plates, bowls, cutlery, drinks, snacks, coffee and tea for the number of registered guests.
How many card games do I need for a party?: Provide at least one playable game per table, based on 4–6 players per table, and keep one spare deck or game available. Choose games with rules that fit the time available, rather than buying more games than you can explain.
How many drinks and snacks should I buy for game night?: For drinks, allow 2–3 per person in the first hour and 1–2 for each later hour. For a two- to three-hour evening, prepare around 3–5 snack portions per person, with extra options if dietary requirements were registered.
When should I shop for a card game night?: Buy non-perishable supplies and check the games at least one day before the event. Chill drinks, prepare snacks and confirm coffee, tea and serving equipment on the day, ideally 1–2 hours before guests arrive.

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