What you need for a classic movie night

Use this shopping list to prepare a classic movie night without leaving key items until the last minute. Plan drinks, popcorn, serving supplies and seating for the number of registered guests, then check every projector connection before the screening. HDMI adapters, spare batteries and extension cords are easy to overlook but can stop the evening if they are missing. Buy chilled drinks and snack ingredients early enough to prepare them before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 55
Tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee mugsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Snack bowlsqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 6

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
HDMI cablesqty 2
HDMI adaptersqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Audio cable
Remote control
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 5
Spare batteriesqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Large potsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Decorations

Classic film postersqty 8
Red table runnersqty 8
Film signsqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilograms
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Fine salt - 500 grams
- Paprika powder - 250 gram
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 20 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include coffee or tea supplies if the programme runs beyond two hours.
Buy enough popcorn for at least 1 large serving per guest, plus extra snack bowls and serving spoons so people do not have to queue at one table.
Check the laptop and projector connections at least 24 hours before the screening. Keep the correct HDMI adapters, an audio cable and a spare cable available.
Count chairs against the visitor list before shopping for refreshments. Add coat racks if guests will arrive with coats, especially when the screening takes place during colder weather.
Prepare a small backup kit with spare batteries, extension cords and power strips. Charge the laptop, speakers and any other equipment on the day of the event.

Frequently asked questions

How much popcorn do I need for a classic movie night?: Plan on at least 1 large serving of popcorn per guest for a standard screening. For a film programme lasting more than 2 hours, buy enough for about 1.5 servings per person.
How many drinks should I buy for movie night?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 additional drink per person for every extra hour. Add a small buffer of about 10% if guests cannot easily buy more during the event.
What cables do I need for a movie night projector?: Check the laptop and projector ports before shopping and provide the matching HDMI cable and adapter. Bring at least 1 extension cord, 1 power strip and a spare cable or adapter when possible.
When should I buy and chill drinks for movie night?: Buy drinks 1–2 days before the screening so you can check quantities and dietary requirements. Chill them at least 4 hours beforehand, or use coolers with ice if refrigerator space is limited.

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