What to Buy for a Game Night

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan the drinks, snacks, servingware and table setup around the number of players and the games you will actually use. For drinks, allow two to three per person for the first hour, then one per hour after that. Check dietary requirements before shopping, chill drinks in advance, and print rules, score sheets and any missing game materials before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet table
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 40
Reusable coffee cupsqty 30
Reusable platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Dice Setsqty 6
Conesqty 8
Hourglassesqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 6
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4
Score padsqty 6
Pen setsqty 6
Prizesqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Table signsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Spiced nuts - 2 bags
- Pretzels - 2 bags
- Cheese cubes - 1,5 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 2 kilo
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian wraps - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one playing surface for every active game, plus one separate buffet table for snacks and drinks. This keeps food away from cards, dice and score sheets.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per person for each additional hour. Chill bottles and cans several hours ahead and keep backup drinks in coolers.
Buy or prepare snacks that can be eaten with one hand and allow about 150–200 grams of food per guest for a three-hour evening. Put serving bowls, platters and spoons out before the first game starts.
Count seating for every registered guest, then add two spare chairs. Check tables, stools, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the event so setup does not delay the games.
Match supplies to the games on your final list: provide at least one pen per player for score-based games, one complete dice set per game that needs it, and print rules for games guests may not know.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a game night?: Plan on two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for each additional hour. Add water and a few non-alcoholic options, then chill everything several hours before guests arrive.
How much food should I buy for game night?: For a three-hour game night, allow about 150–200 grams of snacks per guest, with extra food if it replaces dinner. Buy a mix of easy-to-eat items and label anything containing common allergens before serving.
How many chairs and tables do I need for game night?: Provide one chair for every guest and keep two spare chairs available. Use one playing table per active game where possible, plus a separate buffet table for food and drinks.
When should I check the games and supplies?: Check all games, dice, timers, score pads and pens at least one day before the event. Borrow missing games and print replacement rules no later than the day before, rather than discovering gaps during setup.

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