What to Buy for a Game Night

A game night needs more than a stack of board games. Plan the food, drinks, tableware and practical equipment around the number of players and game stations you are setting up. You will also need supplies for scoring, timing, name badges and clear game instructions. This shopping list helps you catch the items people often arrange too late, such as chilled drinks, charged equipment, extension cords and enough seating for every guest.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Tableclothsqty 8
Coat racksqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 2

Game materials

Board gamesqty 15
Card gamesqty 8
Puzzlesqty 3
Dice setsqty 10
Spell Timersqty 6
Score padsqty 8
Game cardsqty 10
Playing card holdersqty 6

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

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

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Table numbersqty 8
Name badgesqty 50

Organization

Markersqty 12
Pensqty 20
Printed game rulesqty 20
Allergen cardsqty 20

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Margherita pizzas - 20 pieces
- Vegetarian pizzas - 6 pieces
- Gluten-free pizzas - 2 pieces
- Meat pizza - 12 pieces
- Pizza sauce - 2 jars
- Grated cheese - 2 kilogram
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Tomato ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Sandwiches - 50 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Sliced young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 packs
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Candy mix - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one game station for every 4–6 players, then check that each station has the right game, cards, dice, score pads and timer before guests arrive.
Buy about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them several hours ahead rather than relying on last-minute ice.
Allow one plate, one cutlery set and one drinking glass per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For coffee or tea, provide one cup per expected serving instead of assuming everyone will use a glass.
Prepare food that can be served without interrupting a round. Count roughly two pizza slices per person, and set out serving bowls and platters before the first game starts.
Check equipment at least 24 hours beforehand: charge the speaker, test the sound, and bring one power strip and extension cord for each area that needs power. Keep printed rules and markers at every game station.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a game night?: Choose food that can be eaten between turns, such as pizza and easy snacks. As a starting point, allow about two pizza slices per person, then add extra for longer evenings or hungry guests.
How many drinks do I need for a game night?: Plan for 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1 additional drink per person for every later hour. Add water and account for dietary requirements when buying soft drinks or snacks.
How many board games do I need for a game night?: Prepare at least one main game for every 4–6 players at a station, plus two backup games for different group sizes or changing preferences. Check every game at least one day before the event.
What should I prepare the day before game night?: Pick up borrowed games and equipment, print the rules, charge electronics and chill the drinks at least 24 hours in advance. Set out name badges, markers and table numbers on the day so setup takes less time.

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