Game night shopping list

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. You also need enough tables and chairs for active players, clear score sheets, pens, drinks, snacks and a practical serving setup. Plan the shopping around the number of guests and the games you will actually play. This list also covers the items people often remember only after setup starts, such as extension cords, name badges, waste bins and equipment for borrowed games.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Game materials

Board gamesqty 20
Card gamesqty 10
Diceqty 20
Game card holdersqty 8
Hourglassesqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 8
Pensqty 50

Tableware

Glassesqty 50
Mugsqty 30
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 6
Name badge holdersqty 50

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mop set
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 4 packs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilograms
- Turkey breast - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Allergen stickers - 1 sheet
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Sponges - 1 pack

Tips

Plan one game table for each group playing at the same time, then add one separate table for drinks and snacks. This keeps food away from cards, dice and scoreboards.
Prepare at least one pen per active game table, plus a few spares for registrations, name badges and score sheets. Pens are easy to overlook and quickly disappear during a busy evening.
For drinks, provide glasses for cold drinks and mugs for coffee or tea, with serving bowls, spoons, plates and cutlery where guests can reach them. Chill cold drinks before guests arrive and keep hot drinks near the coffee machines or kettles.
Check borrowed board games, card games, dice and accessories before shopping is finished. Missing game card holders, hourglasses or scoreboards can make a planned game unusable.
Count power points before arranging the room if you use a Bluetooth speaker, coffee machines or kettles. Take extension cords and power strips, and keep cables away from walkways and game tables.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a game night shopping list?: Plan for games, dice and accessories, scoreboards, score sheets and pens, as well as drinks, snacks, servingware and cleanup supplies. For the room, allow one game table per simultaneous group and enough chairs for every player.
How many tables do I need for game night?: Use one table for each game group playing at the same time, plus at least one buffet table for drinks and snacks. Add a separate table for registration or information if guests need to check in.
How many pens and score sheets should I buy for game night?: Prepare at least one pen and one set of score sheets per active game table, then add 20% spare supplies. For 5 game tables, that means at least 6 pens and 6 sets of score sheets.
When should I chill drinks and prepare snacks for game night?: Chill cold drinks at least 4 hours before guests arrive if they start at room temperature. Prepare snacks and set out serving bowls, plates and utensils during the final 30 to 60 minutes before the event.

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