What to Buy and Bring for a Card Night

A card night needs more than decks of cards and a table. You will need enough drinks, snacks, serving equipment and tableware for the full evening, plus printed materials to keep games moving. Plan supplies by player count and table count, not just by invitation list: registered guests may arrive at different times, and a damaged or missing deck can stop a game. This checklist helps you cover the items people most often leave until setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 2
Registration desk

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Sound system
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Rechargeable calculatorsqty 4
Prize table

Maps and materials

Card gamesqty 12
Spare card gamesqty 2
Score sheetsqty 100
Pensqty 50
Play matsqty 12
Game rule cardsqty 12
Number cardsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 3
Table decorationsqty 8

Office

Cash box
Registration formsqty 60
Name stickersqty 60
Tapeqty 2

Cleaning

Trash binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packets
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Mini meatballs - 3 kilo
- Vegetarian snack balls - 1,5 kilo
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini chocolate bars - 3 boxes
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Buy one complete card game for every playing table, plus at least one spare deck or spare game for the evening. Check every deck before guests arrive; missing cards are much harder to replace once games have started.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Chill the first batch in advance and keep extra drinks in coolers so the buffet does not run out.
For snacks, prepare at least two small portions per person per hour, with plates, serving tongs and a separate cutting board and bread knife if you are serving sliced food. Set dietary alternatives aside and label them before guests arrive.
Prepare one set of score sheets, pens and game rule cards for each table, then add roughly 10% extra copies. Number cards should match the final table layout, so do not print them before registrations and table assignments are confirmed.
Check power needs before bringing coffee machines, kettles, a sound system or a microphone into the room. Bring extension cords and power strips, and keep drinks away from electrical equipment and walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How many card decks do I need for a card night?: Plan one complete deck or game for each active playing table, plus at least one spare. Check the decks 1–2 days before the event and again during setup.
How many drinks should I buy for card night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one to two drinks per person for every extra hour. Buy or prepare at least 10% extra for late arrivals and refills.
How many score sheets and pens are needed?: Prepare one score sheet and several working pens at every game table, with about 10% extra score sheets and pens in reserve. Pack the reserve supplies at the registration desk before guests arrive.
When should I chill drinks and prepare snacks?: Chill the first drinks at least 4 hours beforehand if possible, and prepare cold snacks 1–2 hours before doors open. Keep perishable food refrigerated until the buffet table is ready.

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