What you need for a games afternoon

A games afternoon needs more than a stack of board games. Plan the shopping around the number of players, how many tables will run at once, and whether people will stay for snacks and drinks. You will need game materials such as cards, dice, score pads, and pens, plus serving items for a buffet and hot drinks. Check power access before buying or packing coffee machines, kettles, coolers, or extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat rack

Game materials

Board gamesqty 18
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 30
Conesqty 60
Playing card holdersqty 12
Score padsqty 10
Pensqty 30
Prizesqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving utensilsqty 8

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 60

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Cleaning

Broom
Floor squeegee
Bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 4 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 4 crates
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow one reusable cup, plate, and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra for walk-ins or items left in use. If 30 people are expected, prepare 33 complete place settings.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep a second batch ready in coolers.
Match game supplies to the number of tables playing simultaneously. Each active table should have its own pens, score pads, dice, and card holders where needed, rather than sharing one set.
Buy or pack serving platters, serving utensils, cutting boards, and bread knives before shopping for snacks. These are often forgotten because the food itself is planned first.
Count coffee cups and prepare enough hot-drink capacity for the busiest 30 minutes. If several tables need refreshments at once, use thermos flasks so serving does not depend on one kettle or coffee machine.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a games afternoon?: Plan game materials, drinks, snacks, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, and serving items. Add coffee or tea equipment, decorations, name badges, and extension cords if the venue needs them.
How many drinks do I need for a games afternoon?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one per person for each additional hour. For 20 guests staying three hours, that means roughly 80 to 100 drinks, depending on the weather and drink sizes.
How many board games do I need for 30 people?: Plan enough games for the number of tables running at the same time, not just the guest count. For 30 people, six tables of five would need at least six playable options, with extra games available if a round finishes early.
What do people usually forget for a games afternoon?: Pens, score pads, card holders, serving utensils, coffee cups, and power strips are commonly missed. Check these at least one day before the event, then pack a small backup supply for walk-ins and damaged items.

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