Game Night Shopping List

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan food and drinks around the length of the evening, then check that every table has the supplies needed to play without interruptions. This shopping list covers snacks, sandwiches, vegetables, dips, drinks, tableware and practical game-night equipment. It also highlights items that are easy to forget, such as score pads, pens, spare dice, serving bowls and enough cups for the whole group.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Game materials

Board gamesqty 20
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 30
Game cardsqty 4
Score padsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Hourglassesqty 6
Game matsqty 8

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Spoonsqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Bread basketsqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 4
Welcome sign
Name stickersqty 50

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and bucketqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- White bread rolls - 50 pieces
- Whole wheat bake-off rolls - 30 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Young cheese - 2,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Butter - 500 grams
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Beer - 48 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and keep a cooler available if the refrigerator is full.
Allow about 150–200 grams of snacks per person for a three-hour game night, plus sandwiches or another filling option. Put non-perishable snacks out first and prepare fresh vegetables and dips shortly before serving.
Count tableware against your guest list, not just the number of game tables. Have at least one plate, glass and complete set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements.
Prepare one complete game setup per table before the doors open. Include the game, cards, dice, score pads, pens, timers or hourglasses and game mats where needed.
Check practical supplies at least one day in advance: power strips, extension cords, lighting, a speaker, coat racks and serving equipment are often forgotten until setup starts.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a game night?: For a three-hour evening, plan 150–200 grams of snacks per person and one filling food option, such as sandwiches. Add extra food if the event overlaps with dinner time or lasts more than four hours.
How many drinks should I buy for game night?: Buy two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every hour after that. Include water and soft drinks as well as any other beverages you plan to serve.
How many games should I prepare for a game night?: Prepare at least one playable game for every table, plus one or two backup games for different group sizes. Set out the components before guests arrive so missing cards, dice or instructions do not delay the first round.
How much tableware do I need for a game night?: Provide one plate, glass and cutlery set per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 plates, 22 glasses and 22 sets of knives, forks and spoons.

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