What to buy for a family movie night

A family movie night needs more than films and popcorn. Plan food and drinks for the number of guests, then add enough cups, bowls, plates and serving tools so people are not sharing mid-film. Blankets and cushions make the seating work for children and adults, while the projector, speakers, cables and power supplies need checking before shopping is finished. Use this list to buy the practical items that are easy to forget until guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 6
Lounge cushionsqty 20
Fleece blanketsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 10

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Audio cablesqty 3
HDMI cablesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Decorations

Movie night flagsqty 2
Balloonsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Microwave
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Mini pizzas - 50 pieces
- Pizza sauce - 3 jars
- Grated mozzarella - 2 kilos
- Grated cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 10 pieces
- Gluten-free pizza bases - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilos
- Sweet popcorn - 2 bags
- Salted popcorn - 2 bags
- Pretzel sticks - 3 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Raw carrots - 2 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add about 1 drink per person for each following hour. Chill drinks in coolers early, and keep a few options aside for dietary requirements.
Allow one bowl or plate per guest, plus 10% extra for spills and second servings. Put serving spoons with shared snacks so guests do not use their own cutlery.
Provide one chair or lounge cushion per guest and at least one fleece blanket for every two people. Keep extra blankets near the seating area rather than in a storage room.
Test the projector, laptop, speakers and picture and sound at least 24 hours before the screening. Check that you have the required HDMI and audio cables, extension cords and power strips.
Buy or bring food that can be prepared before guests arrive, and leave at least 30 minutes for setup. A coffee maker, kettle or thermos flask is easy to overlook when the main focus is cold drinks and snacks.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a family movie night?: For a two-hour film, plan about 3–4 snack portions per person, plus one more portion for children with bigger appetites. Add 10% extra for spills, seconds and unexpected guests.
How many drinks should I buy for movie night?: Start with 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 drink per person for every hour after that. Buy at least 10% extra if guests will stay beyond the film.
How many blankets do I need for a family movie night?: Allow one fleece blanket for every two guests, with a few extra for children or cooler rooms. For 20 guests, that means at least 10 blankets, preferably 12.
When should I test the projector and speakers?: Test the full setup at least 24 hours before the event, including the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and cables. Run the same film file or a five-minute clip so picture and sound are checked together.

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