What to Buy for a Family Magic Show

A family magic show needs more than drinks and snacks. Plan for seated guests, a clear performance area, reliable sound, a simple buffet and an easy arrival process. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, from microphone accessories and extension cords to name badges, serving utensils and waste bins. Check quantities against your guest list, then buy or borrow the supplies early enough to test the equipment and chill the drinks before doors open.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Clothes racksqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 3
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Wireless microphone
Portable speaker
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Cassis — 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Mini popsicles - 60 pieces
- Croissants - 60 pieces
- Mini Sausage Rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini cheese rolls - 40 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Gluten-free rolls - 8 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Paper Plates - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 1 box
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow one reusable drinking glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for late additions or items left at the buffet. Keep coffee cups separate so children do not accidentally take hot drinks.
Prepare two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add more according to the show length. Use coolers and ice packs rather than relying on a refrigerator that may be needed for other catering.
Test the wireless microphone and portable speaker at least 24 hours before the show. Keep the microphone stand, extension cords and power strips together, and bring one spare extension cord if the venue layout is uncertain.
Leave a clear performance area before decorating. Balloons, bunting and tape should stay outside the magician’s working space, while tables and buffet tables should be positioned so queues do not block the audience.
Set up name badges, clothes racks and waste bins near the entrance before guests arrive. Put serving trays, serving spoons, tongs and cutting boards at the buffet so volunteers are not searching for them during the show.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks and tableware do I need for a family magic show?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, plus about 10% extra. Provide one reusable glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, and add coffee cups for adults and hot drinks.
How much extra tableware should I buy for a family magic show?: Buy or borrow at least 10% more glasses, plates and cutlery than your confirmed guest count. For 40 guests, that means preparing about 44 of each item where practical.
What sound equipment is needed for a family magic show?: Use a wireless microphone, portable speaker and microphone stand, with extension cords and power strips for the setup. Test everything at least 24 hours before the event and again when the equipment is connected at the venue.
When should I buy supplies for a family magic show?: Buy non-perishable supplies, decorations and serving equipment at least one week ahead. Get fresh snacks and ice packs one or two days before, then chill the drinks and check deliveries on the event day.

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