What to Buy for a Game Night

A game night needs more than board games and snacks. Plan the shopping around the number of players, the games at each table, and how long people will stay. You will need drinks, food, serving equipment, tableware, coffee supplies, and practical items such as scoreboards, timers, and name tags. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and chill fresh food and drinks before guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Buffet table
Welcome table
Waste binsqty 4

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 12
Conesqty 48
Hourglassesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 6
Game bellsqty 6
Quiz buzzersqty 4
Puzzlesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 48
Coffee cupsqty 36
Platesqty 48
Cutlery setsqty 48
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettleqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Themed bannersqty 3
Balloonsqty 30
Name badgesqty 40
Pensqty 20

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Rechargeable batteriesqty 12

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Beer - 36 bottles
- Alcohol-free beers - 12 bottles
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salty pretzels - 2 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Mini cucumbers - 3 tubs
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 3 loaves
- Mini sandwiches - 48 pieces
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Plain hummus - 500 gram
- Cream cheese - 500 grams
- Butter - 500 grams
- Olives - 2 jars
- Pickles - 1 jar
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Bitterballen - 60 pieces
- Apple pie - 2 pies
- Brownies - 36 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Plan one playable game for every table, plus one spare option. Count the required dice, cards, buzzers, timers, or other accessories before buying anything.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per person for the first hour, then one serving per person for each additional hour. Add extra water because players often refill between rounds.
Buy plates, glasses, and cutlery for every guest, plus 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each rather than exactly 20.
Shop for snacks that can sit on a buffet for the full evening, and keep fresh produce and chilled items in coolers until serving. Put serving platters, tongs, and spoons on the shopping list too.
Prepare prizes and scorecards before the event instead of buying them at the last minute. Keep a separate bag for welcome-desk supplies, name tags, and anything needed to record registrations.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a game night?: Buy games and replacement accessories, drinks, snacks, plates, glasses, cutlery, and coffee supplies. Add serving platters, tongs, scorecards, prizes, name tags, and rubbish bags for the practical setup.
How many drinks do I need for game night?: Plan on two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every additional hour. Include water, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
How many plates and glasses do I need for 20 people?: Prepare at least 22 plates, 22 glasses, and 22 cutlery sets for 20 guests. The extra 10% covers breakage, dropped items, and guests who use a fresh glass or plate.
What food works best for a game night buffet?: Choose snacks and finger food that can be served without interrupting play, with at least two options for different dietary needs. Put chilled items in coolers until serving and set out serving tongs and spoons.

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.