What to buy for a Dungeons and Dragons night

For a Dungeons and Dragons night, most of the preparation goes into the adventure and character sheets, but the shopping still needs planning. Buy easy-to-eat snacks and enough drinks for the full session, then keep printed handouts, pens and spare paper within reach. Check dietary requirements before you shop, especially if several players are attending. Tables, chairs, lighting and equipment also need checking before guests arrive, so do not leave the setup until the last 30 minutes.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for every additional hour. Chill at least half of them before guests arrive so players do not need to leave the table.
Allow about 150 to 200 grams of snacks per person for a three- to four-hour session. Choose food that can be eaten with one hand and does not leave grease on character sheets or dice.
Print one character sheet and one set of essential handouts per player, plus two spare copies. Keep extra paper and pens on the table because character changes and notes often happen during the game.
Check dietary requirements before buying the buffet ingredients, ideally at least three days before the night. Set aside clearly labelled alternatives instead of placing every option in one shared bowl.
Test lighting, speakers or other equipment at least one hour before the start. Keep cables away from the table edges and leave enough clear space for dice, maps and character sheets.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a Dungeons and Dragons night?: Plan drinks, snacks, buffet food, paper, pens and any missing game materials. For each player, allow one printed character sheet, one set of key handouts and at least one drink per hour after the first hour.
How much food do I need for a Dungeons and Dragons session?: For a three- to four-hour session, buy around 150 to 200 grams of snacks per person, plus a light buffet if the game overlaps with a meal. Add dietary alternatives based on the requirements collected from players.
How many drinks should I buy for D&D night?: Use two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for each later hour. For an evening lasting four hours, that means roughly five to six drinks per player, including water.
When should I prepare a Dungeons and Dragons night shopping list?: Make the list at least three days before the session, once registrations and dietary requirements are known. Finish shopping no later than the day before, leaving only chilling drinks and setting out food for the event day.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.