What you need for a family dance night

What to bring

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

Tips

• Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add about one drink per person for each following hour. Include water and a caffeine-free option for children.
• Buy or gather about four to six small snack portions per guest, plus extra fruit and vegetables if children will be dancing for several hours. Portion dips and sauces before guests arrive.
• Count every guest when preparing tableware: one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass, one fork, one knife and one spoon per person, plus 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items.
• Test the speakers, mixer, music player and wireless microphones at least one day before the dance night. Put extension cords, power strips and charging cables in the equipment box rather than searching for them during setup.
• Keep chilled drinks in coolers until serving and allow roughly 1 cooler for every 20 to 25 bottles or cans. Set up coffee machines, kettles and warming dishes on a separate buffet area so children cannot reach hot equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for a family dance night?

Plan four to six small snack portions per guest, including fruit, vegetables, dips and other easy-to-eat options. For a three-hour evening, prepare at least one more snack portion per person than you expect to serve so late arrivals and hungry children are covered.

How many drinks should I buy for a family dance night?

Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and about one per person for every additional hour. For a three-hour event with 30 guests, that means roughly 120 to 150 drinks, including water and child-friendly choices.

How much tableware do I need for a family dance night?

Prepare one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one glass, one fork, one knife and one spoon per guest, then add 10% extra. For 40 guests, prepare at least 44 of each frequently used item where possible.

What equipment is easy to forget for a family dance night?

Check extension cords, power strips, charging cables, microphone stands and a music player at least 24 hours before the event. Also test the speakers, mixer and microphones in the actual room so you can fix cable or power problems before guests arrive.