What to buy for a game night

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan the playing materials, serving items, drinks, snacks and small setup supplies before guests arrive. For each game table, allow one game, a clear set of rules, scorekeeping materials and enough space for players to sit comfortably. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and chill drinks early so you are not trying to do it during the first round.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 36
Buffet table
Coat racksqty 2

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 30
Game cardsqty 300
Hourglassesqty 6
Scoreboard
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 6
Playing card holdersqty 12
Prizesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 40
Bowlsqty 12
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 3
Table signsqty 8

Registration

Name badgesqty 40
Pensqty 20
Scorecardsqty 60

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 4 packs
- Spa Rood - 2 packs
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Sausage slices - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Bitterballen - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dishwasher tablets - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one playable game for each group of 4–6 guests, plus one spare option in case a game finishes early or does not suit the group.
Buy or prepare roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive.
Allow one plate, bowl, cup and cutlery set per guest, plus 10–15% extra. Extra tableware covers spills, dropped items and guests who return for more snacks.
Prepare one scorecard or scoreboard space for every game that uses points, and keep spare pens or whiteboard markers at each game corner.
Check practical items at least one day before the event: dice, game cards, card holders, hourglasses, bottle openers, serving utensils and extension cords are easy to overlook.

Frequently asked questions

How many board games do I need for a game night?: Plan one game for each group of 4–6 players, plus 1–2 spare games for a larger group or a quick change of activity. Choose games with different playing times so you have options for both short and longer rounds.
How many drinks should I buy for game night?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about 1 drink per person per additional hour. Include non-alcoholic options and chill the drinks at least 2–3 hours beforehand if possible.
How much tableware do I need for game night?: Provide one cup, plate, bowl and cutlery set per guest, then add 10–15% spare. For 20 guests, that means preparing at least 22–23 of each frequently used item where possible.
What should I prepare the day before a game night?: Check every game, sort cards and dice, prepare prizes and scorecards, confirm dietary requirements and review the venue setup at least 24 hours in advance. Chill drinks and set out serving equipment on the event day.

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