What to buy for a game night

A game night needs more than games and drinks. You’ll need enough tableware for the full group, snacks that can be served without interrupting play, and a few supplies for keeping scores and explaining rules. Plan the shopping around the number of guests, the length of the evening, and whether you’ll serve coffee or tea. Check dietary requirements before buying snacks, then chill drinks and prepare serving dishes before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 22
Buffet table

Tableware

Platesqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 20
Cutlery setsqty 25
Small bowlsqty 10
Serving boardsqty 4

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 3

Equipment

Kettle
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2

Game materials

Board gamesqty 12
Card gamesqty 6
Diceqty 12
Score padsqty 6
Pensqty 12
Hourglassesqty 4
Game tokensqty 100

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 5
Party buntingqty 2

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Ice tea - 2 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- White wine - 3 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Olives - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 2 kilograms
- Dipping sauce - 4 containers
- Baguettes - 5 pieces
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 10 pieces
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Brownies - 24 pieces
- Cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Kitchen paper - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 4 pieces

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Include water and use jugs so guests do not have to open a new bottle every time.
Buy at least one plate, glass, cutlery set, and napkin per guest, plus 10% extra. For 10 guests, that means 11 of each; add coffee cups if you will serve hot drinks.
Choose snacks that can sit on small bowls or serving boards without making the game area greasy. Put out 2–3 snack options and keep a chef’s knife, cutting board, serving spoons, and tongs ready for refills.
Prepare one score pad and several pens for every active game table. Keep spare dice, game tokens, and an hourglass together in one container so missing pieces do not stop a round.
Check the room setup before shopping for extras: allow one table and one chair per playing group, and test the Bluetooth speaker, mood lighting, and extension cords at least one day beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a game night?: Buy 2–3 easy-to-eat snack options per group, such as cut fruit, crisps, nuts, or small sandwiches. Plan about 150–250 g of snacks per person for a three-hour evening, then adjust for a full meal.
How many drinks do I need for game night?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 per person for every hour after that. Add at least 500 ml of water per guest, plus extra if the room is warm or the games are active.
How much tableware do I need for a game night?: Buy one plate, glass, cutlery set, and napkin per guest, with 10% spare. For 12 guests, prepare at least 14 of each item so replacements are available during the evening.
What game supplies are easy to forget?: Pens, score pads, spare dice, game tokens, and an hourglass are commonly missed. Put these items out at least 30 minutes before starting, and check every game box for missing pieces the day before.

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