What to Buy for a Game Night

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan the games, scorekeeping supplies, drinks, snacks and serving equipment around the number of guests and tables you have. Check player counts before buying anything, and make sure every game has its rules, pieces and any timers it needs. This shopping list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as ice, bottle openers, extension cords and enough pens for scoring.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Tableclothsqty 6
Coat rack

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 6
Diceqty 24
Game cardsqty 12
Hourglassesqty 6
Score padsqty 6
Pensqty 24
Prizesqty 6
Game rulesqty 6

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Coffee mugsqty 24
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Water carafesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 3
Ice spoonsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Welcome sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Cashews - 2 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Pretzels - 2 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilo
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 15 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Mini pizzas - 40 pieces
- Spicy Cheese Snacks - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Garlic sauce - 1 bottle
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Sponges - 1 pack

Tips

Allow one game table for every 4–6 players, then check that each game fits the table with room for drinks and score pads. Add at least one spare table if guests will play in rotating groups.
For drinks, plan 2–3 servings per person for the first hour, then about 1 serving per person for each additional hour. Chill bottled drinks several hours ahead and keep water available in carafes.
Buy or prepare at least 1 small snack portion per guest for every hour of play. Put snacks on serving trays and use tongs so players do not reach across game boards with greasy hands.
Set out 1 glass per guest, plus 10% extra, and provide 1 plate and cutlery set per guest if food needs plates. Count coffee mugs separately; glasses are not a practical substitute for hot drinks.
Prepare one pen and one score pad for each active game, plus 20% spare pens. Test the Bluetooth speaker and extension cords before guests arrive, and keep prizes together at the reception table.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a game night?: Choose snacks that can be eaten with one hand and do not leave crumbs or grease on cards. Allow 1 small portion per guest per hour, plus a little extra for dietary requirements collected during registration.
How many drinks do I need for a game night?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 drink per person for every hour after that. Add water for the full group and chill drinks at least 3–4 hours before the event.
How many games do I need for a game night?: Prepare at least 1 game for every 4–6 players in an active group, with 2–3 backup games for a typical evening. Check the player count, rules and all game pieces no later than the day before.
What do people usually forget for a game night?: Pens, score pads, ice spoons, bottle openers and extension cords are often missed. Count these supplies 24 hours beforehand, and keep 20% extra pens and tableware available.

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