Games Afternoon Shopping List

A games afternoon needs more than board games and snacks. Plan the supplies for each table, including score pads, pens, dice, rules and any missing game pieces, then add enough drinks and food for the full session. You will also need serving items, coffee and tea equipment, prizes and practical setup supplies such as extension cords. Check dietary requirements before shopping and chill drinks before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Tableclothsqty 8

Game materials

Board gamesqty 20
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 30
Game board accessoriesqty 6
Puzzlesqty 4
Score padsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Hourglassesqty 6
Prizesqty 12

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Cupsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Table décorqty 8
Name badgesqty 50

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling juice - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate cookies - 3 packs
- Mini waffles - 3 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Count tableware by guest, then add a small spare margin: plan at least one glass or cup, plate and cutlery set per person, plus 10% extra for breakage and replacements.
Allow roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill the first batch early and keep the rest in coolers.
Check every game box at least 3 days before the afternoon. Count dice, cards, tokens and timers, and reserve or buy replacements before the shopping trip if anything is missing.
Prepare one score pad and pen for each active game table, with a few extras at the reception table. Print the rules before setup so explanations do not delay the first round.
Buy or collect prizes no later than the day before and place them together on the prize table. Do not forget coffee, tea, serving tongs and platters when snacks are prepared in batches.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a games afternoon?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every hour after that. For snacks, prepare at least two portions per guest for a short afternoon, with extra options for collected dietary requirements.
How many board games do I need for a games afternoon?: Prepare at least one game for every table in use, plus two or three backup games for different group sizes. Check the full inventory 3 days before the event so missing pieces can still be replaced or borrowed.
How much tableware should I buy for my guests?: Provide one glass or cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add around 10% spare supplies. For 20 guests, that means at least 22 of each item if you are not washing items during the afternoon.
When should I buy supplies for a games afternoon?: Complete the main shopping 1 to 2 days before the event. Buy fresh snacks closer to the afternoon if needed, but have prizes, printed rules, game accessories and non-perishable supplies ready the day before.

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