What to buy for a games afternoon

A games afternoon needs more than a stack of board games. You will need enough tables for separate play areas, clear scorekeeping materials, drinks and snacks that are easy to serve between rounds, and a few prizes if games are competitive. Check every game before shopping: missing dice, cards, pieces or instructions can delay the start. Use your registration numbers to calculate seating, cups, plates and refreshments, then finish the shopping at least one day before the event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tableqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Game materials

Bingo cage
Bingo cardsqty 60
Bingo cardsqty 1000
Playing cardsqty 8
Diceqty 24
Sjoelbaksqty 2
Sjoelschijvenqty 60
Checkersqty 4
Chessqty 3
Ludoqty 4
Rummikubqty 4
Yahtzeeqty 4
Board gamesqty 8
Puzzlesqty 4
Score padsqty 12
Hourglassesqty 8
Prizesqty 20

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving traysqty 8
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Name badgesqty 50
Pensqty 20
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Cleaning bucketqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Chocolate milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Savory snack mix - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 3 kilo
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Cold cuts - 1.5 kilo
- Vegetarian spreads - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one game table for every 4–6 players, with extra space for larger games such as sjoelbak or bingo. Confirm the venue can fit the tables, chairs and a separate buffet table before buying or borrowing anything.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill bottled or canned drinks several hours ahead, and prepare coffee and hot water equipment before guests arrive.
Bring one score pad and several pens for each competitive table, plus spare dice and playing cards where possible. Check every box and print the rules at least one day before the afternoon.
Buy or prepare snacks that can be eaten without cutlery, and provide roughly 150–200 grams of snacks per guest for a three-hour session. Put plates, glasses, serving trays and pouring jugs on the buffet before opening the venue.
Choose prizes only after deciding how many games will have winners. Buy at least one prize per planned winning category, and keep a few small extras available for tie-breaks or unexpected games.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a games afternoon?: Prepare games, spare playing cards and dice, printed rules, score pads, pens, tables, chairs, drinks, snacks, tableware and prizes if the games are competitive. Check the final number of guests 3–5 days beforehand so you can adjust seating and refreshments.
How many tables do I need for a games afternoon?: Plan one table for every 4–6 players, depending on the size of the games. Add a separate buffet table and leave at least 10–15 minutes before opening to arrange chairs, games and serving equipment.
How much food and drink should I buy for a games afternoon?: For a three-hour afternoon, allow about 150–200 grams of snacks and around 4 drinks per person, including the first hour. Buy or confirm the refreshments 1–2 days before, and chill drinks several hours in advance.
When should I check the games and shopping list?: Check every game, piece, rule sheet and item on the shopping list at least 2 days before the event. Finish shopping no later than the day before, leaving time to replace missing parts or borrow equipment.

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