Game Night Shopping List

Use this shopping list to prepare a game night without discovering missing supplies during the first round. Plan tableware, drinks, snacks, game materials and basic equipment around the number of guests and the games you will play. Reusable cups, serving utensils and scorekeeping supplies are easy to overlook, while kettles, coffee machines and extension cords often need checking before the event. Buy or borrow anything that is not already available at the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk
Stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Game materials

Board gamesqty 20
Card gamesqty 10
Diceqty 30
Game matsqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 4
Hourglassesqty 8
Conesqty 12
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Ice packsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Name badgesqty 50
Pensqty 30
Tapeqty 4
Markersqty 12

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Rice crackers - 3 packs
- Mini pizzas - 6 packs
- Vegetable spring rolls - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 4 boxes
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include both chilled drinks and hot-drink supplies, with at least one pitcher or thermos flask for serving.
Allow one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus around 10% extra for replacements. Bring serving platters and serving tongs separately so guests do not use their own cutlery for shared snacks.
Choose games for the expected group size rather than buying only one large-group game. Have at least one alternative ready for a smaller group, and check that every game has its pieces, dice, cards and instructions before guests arrive.
Prepare one scorecard or scoreboard for each game that uses scoring, and keep pens with them. If rounds have time limits, provide one hourglass per active game so players do not rely on a phone timer.
Check power needs before setup: count the coffee machines, kettles and speaker, then bring enough extension cords and power strips to reach them safely. Charge or test the Bluetooth speaker before opening the venue.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a game night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person for every additional hour. Add extra water and non-alcoholic options for guests who do not drink alcohol.
How much tableware should I buy for a game night?: Provide one cup, plate, bowl and cutlery set per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 of each item where practical, especially cups and plates.
How many board games do I need for game night?: Prepare at least one suitable game for each planned game corner, plus one backup game. For 12 guests split across three tables, have three main games and one alternative ready.
When should I buy snacks and chill drinks for game night?: Buy shelf-stable snacks and drinks one to two days beforehand. Chill drinks at least four hours before guests arrive, or use coolers with ice if the refrigerator is too small.

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