What you need for a games afternoon

A games afternoon needs more than board games and snacks. Plan the food and drinks around the number of players, then check that every table has the materials needed to play without sharing pencils or searching for dice. You will also need serving equipment, coffee supplies and practical items for registration and setup. This shopping list helps you spot the small things people often arrange too late, such as dietary meals, chilled drinks, extension cords and score pads.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 2

Game materials

Board gamesqty 20
Card gamesqty 8
Diceqty 20
Game cardsqty 6
Conesqty 60
Score padsqty 10
Pencilsqty 40
Prize giftsqty 6

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Balloonsqty 40
Welcome sign
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 48 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Mini sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 20 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Cheese slices - 2 kilos
- Ham slices - 1 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Allergy-free snacks - 4 packages
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Buy or gather one score pad and at least one pencil per active game table, plus a few extras. Pencils disappear quickly when several games run at once.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep extra drinks in coolers.
Set aside special-diet meals before putting the buffet out. Label them clearly and keep enough plates, cutlery and serving tongs available so guests do not need to ask.
Check the number of coffee cups, glasses and plates against your registration list, then add at least 10 percent extra. Put coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks near the coffee station before opening.
Test the Bluetooth speaker and place extension cords and power strips where they cannot become a trip hazard. Do this during venue setup, not when participants are arriving.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a games afternoon?: Plan drinks, food, plates, glasses, cutlery and coffee supplies, as well as game materials such as dice, cards, score pads and pencils. Add serving trays, tongs and coolers if food and drinks are self-service.
How many drinks do I need for a games afternoon?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, followed by one drink per person for every additional hour. Buy a mixture of cold drinks and water, and chill them before the event starts.
How many plates and glasses do I need?: Count one plate, one glass and one cutlery set per participant, then add at least 10 percent extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each item.
When should I prepare the games afternoon shopping?: Check the final registration list and dietary requirements two to three days before the event. Do the main shopping the day before, then chill drinks and set aside special-diet meals on the day itself.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.