What to buy for a game night

A game night needs more than board games and snacks. You need enough tables, chairs, playing pieces and scorekeeping supplies for people to play without sharing equipment between groups. Plan tableware and serving dishes for the full guest count, then add drinks equipment such as coolers, kettles and coffee machines. Buy or gather prizes, signs and lighting before the day itself, because these are easy to overlook when the focus is on choosing games.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 28
Side tablesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 12
Dice cupsqty 6
Conesqty 6
Hourglassesqty 6
Score padsqty 6
Pencilsqty 30
Prizesqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 30
Bowlsqty 30
Glassesqty 36
Coffee mugsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

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

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Decorations

Party buntingqty 4
Table decorationsqty 6
Table signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop and bucket
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Dishpanqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Serving utensilsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Red - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 36 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 2 bags
- Grapes - 3 bunches
- Apples - 12 pieces
- Cucumbers - 3 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 trays
- Carrots - 2 bags
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Wraps - 4 packs
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 1.5 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 4 tubs
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Green salad - 2 kilogram
- Grape sauce - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one playing surface for each active group, then add a side table for drinks and used dishes. Foldable tables, chairs and tablecloths are easier to arrange when you know the final guest count.
Check every board game, card game and set of dice before shopping. Missing pieces, empty score pads or too few pencils can stop a game after only one round.
Count tableware for every guest, including dinner plates, bowls, glasses, coffee mugs and cutlery sets. Add serving bowls and platters separately so buffet dishes do not use the plates people need.
Set aside one cooling solution for drinks and keep power strips and extension cords with the equipment. Kettles, coffee machines, lighting and a Bluetooth speaker can otherwise compete for the same outlets.
If you are running tournaments, buy or prepare prizes, score pads, pencils, table signs and any timing tools before guests arrive. Put each table's games and supplies together so setup takes minutes rather than repeated trips.

Frequently asked questions

How many board games do I need for a game night?: Plan at least one game for each active table, plus two or three backup games for different group sizes or preferences. For four tables, prepare four main games and 2–3 alternatives.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery sets should I buy?: Provide one complete set per guest, then add 10–15% extra for dropped items, seconds and delayed washing. For 20 guests, that means 22–23 plates, glasses and cutlery sets.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a game night?: Start with one chair per guest and one playing table for each group that will play at the same time. For 20 guests split across four groups, prepare 20 chairs and four main tables, plus side tables for drinks.
When should I buy snacks and chill the drinks for game night?: Buy shelf-stable snacks and drinks one to two days ahead, then chill drinks at least four hours before guests arrive. Prepare buffet dishes on the day, following their storage requirements.

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