What you need for a comedy night

A comedy night needs more than chairs and a microphone. You need servingware for catering, reliable audio equipment, drinks that are chilled before guests arrive, and clear signs for registration and parking. This shopping list covers the physical supplies for the room, entrance, refreshment area, and performance space. Check quantities against your confirmed registration list, then shop at least two days before the event so missing cables, batteries, or tableware can still be replaced.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 90
Tablesqty 12
High tablesqty 4
Folding table for the entrance
Clothing rack

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop for music
Spare batteriesqty 12
Coolersqty 3
Cash drawer
Payment terminal

Decorations

Balloonsqty 80
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Performer board
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 100
Badge holdersqty 100

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice spoonsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 4 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Mini wraps - 120 pieces
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Herb cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Breaded chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls

Tips

Plan seating for every confirmed guest and keep a few spare chairs available. Add tables for registration, catering, and drinks rather than expecting one table to serve all three purposes.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour, then about one serving per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before doors open and keep reusable glasses, coffee cups, and plates together.
Treat audio supplies as a complete kit: active speakers, mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, audio cables, extension cords, and power strips. Test every connection before guests arrive and pack spare batteries for each wireless microphone.
Set up the entrance with a folding table, name badges, badge holders, a cash drawer, and a payment terminal. Put directional signs at the entrance, toilets, and performance area so late arrivals do not interrupt the comedians.
Buy or gather decoration and presentation items early, including tablecloths, bunting, balloons, and the performer board. Check these supplies when you check the venue, not during the final minutes before the audience enters.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a comedy night?: Use your confirmed registration count as the baseline. Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per person per additional hour, and add around 10% extra snacks or catering portions for late registrations and unexpected guests.
What sound equipment do I need for a comedy night?: At minimum, prepare active speakers, a mixer, wireless microphones, microphone stands, audio cables, extension cords, and power strips. Test the full setup at least 2 hours before doors open and keep spare batteries ready.
How many chairs and tables do I need?: Provide one chair for every confirmed registration and keep 5% extra chairs if the venue allows it. Reserve separate tables for the entrance, catering, drinks, and performer or equipment use so registration does not block refreshments.
When should I buy supplies for a comedy night?: Buy disposable or replacement supplies at least 2 days ahead. Chill drinks the day before, and complete the final supply check when the venue opens, leaving at least 60 minutes before guests arrive for missing items or setup problems.

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