What to Buy for a Game Night

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan drinks and snacks for the full guest list, plus enough glasses, plates and serving utensils for people to eat without interrupting play. Check every game several days ahead and replace missing dice, cards or score sheets before guests arrive. This shopping list also covers the items people often remember too late: charging cables, power strips, extra pens and coffee supplies for a longer evening.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Side tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Game materials

Strategic board gamesqty 4
Family gamesqty 4
Party gamesqty 4
Card gamesqty 5
Puzzlesqty 2
Extra diceqty 12
Score padsqty 6
Pensqty 24

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Charging cablesqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4
LED light stringsqty 2

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Platesqty 30
Forksqty 30
Knivesqty 30
Spoonsqty 24
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Menu standsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 2 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Salty pretzels - 2 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Tortilla wraps - 4 packs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked meat - 500 grams
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 18 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Guacamole - 4 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 30 pieces
- Bitterballen - 40 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 40 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Brownies - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Chocolate bars - 6 pieces
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the drinks at least four hours before guests arrive so you are not relying on ice alone.
Allow one plate, fork and glass per guest, plus roughly 10% extra for breakages or used items waiting to be washed. Put serving platters and serving utensils on the buffet before the first game starts.
Check every selected game three to five days in advance. Count pieces, test cards and set aside extra dice, score pads and pens; buying replacements on the day leaves little room for problems.
Provide at least one game for each group size you expect: a quick option for two to four players, a family game for four to six, and a party game for larger groups. Keep the rules beside each game table instead of searching for them during play.
Bring one power strip and one extension cord for each area that needs charging or powered equipment. Test the Bluetooth speaker and atmosphere lights before guests arrive, and keep charging cables together at the reception desk.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a game night?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every additional hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options for the whole guest list, not just for guests who request them.
How much food should I buy for game night?: For a snack-focused evening, plan about 150 to 250 grams of snacks per person, including both savoury and sweet options. Add more if the event overlaps dinner or lasts longer than four hours.
How many board games should I bring to game night?: Prepare at least one playable option for every four to six guests, with different player counts and game lengths. Check the full selection three to five days beforehand so missing pieces can be replaced before the event.
How many glasses and plates do I need for a game night?: Use one glass and one plate per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 glasses and 22 plates, plus enough forks, knives and spoons for the food you are serving.

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