How to organise a beer night without last-minute problems

A good beer night starts with the tasting plan, not the shopping trip. Decide how many beers guests will try, confirm the venue and collect dietary requirements before choosing snacks and tableware. Give yourself enough time to chill the drinks, prepare vegetarian options and set up tasting glasses, water and waste stations. On the night, welcome guests first, explain the tasting order, then serve in small pours so the evening stays manageable.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Confirm venue
5
Determine the beer selection
2 people
6
Check glasses and equipment
2 people
7
Work out table arrangement
8
Assemble the music playlist
9
Check the shopping list
10
Do the shopping
2 people
11
Chill drinks
2 people
12
Prepare snacks
3 people
13
Prepare vegetarian snacks
2 people
14
Clean the venue
2 people
15
Set up tables
3 people
16
Set up chairs
2 people
17
Fill coolers
2 people
18
Set out glasses
2 people
19
Display snacks
2 people
20
Hang up decorations
2 people
21
Connect the music
22
Set up waste stations

Event

23
Handle guest reception
2 people
24
Introduce the beer tasting
25
Serve beer
2 people
26
Serve non-alcoholic drinks
27
Refill drinks
2 people
28
Refill snacks
2 people
29
Collect glasses
2 people
30
Announce the final round
31
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

32
Cover food and drinks
2 people
33
Collect waste
3 people
34
Wash dishes
3 people
35
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
36
Clean the venue
2 people
37
Dry and store materials
2 people
38
Take away empty packaging
39
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Beer glassesqty 50
Water glassesqty 40
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 10

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2

Decorations

Beer tasting formsqty 40
Name badgesqty 40
Tableclothsqty 6
Beer postersqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up bowlsqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the beer selection at least 7 days ahead and plan around 10–15 cl per tasting pour. This lets you calculate bottles, glasses and cooling space before shopping.
Send invitations early enough to process registrations and dietary requirements at least 5 days before the event. Use the final guest count to adjust snacks, chairs and tasting forms.
Chill the beer in coolers or ice containers several hours before guests arrive. Keep some bottles unopened and cold so you can refill without interrupting the tasting.
Set out one beer glass, one water glass and a tasting form per guest before arrival. Put bottle openers, serving platters and waste bins where guests can reach them without crossing the serving area.
Finish tables, chairs, decorations, music and snack displays at least 30 minutes before reception. Test the Bluetooth speaker and extension cords then, rather than while guests are arriving.

Frequently asked questions

How much beer do I need for a beer tasting night?: For a tasting of several beers, allow about 10–15 cl per beer per guest. For example, 6 beers for 12 guests requires roughly 7.2–10.8 litres, before adding extra beer for drinking after the tasting.
How many beers should you serve at a beer night?: Plan 5–7 different beers for a focused tasting lasting about 90 minutes. More than 8 styles can make it difficult for guests to compare flavours and for you to keep the serving order clear.
How far in advance should I organise a beer night?: Start 7–10 days ahead: confirm the venue, invite guests and choose the beer selection first. Complete shopping and dietary checks at least 2 days before, then chill drinks on the day.
What food should I serve at a beer tasting?: Prepare 2–3 snack portions per guest for the tasting, including a clearly separate vegetarian selection. Put out water, small plates and serving utensils before the first beer so guests can taste and eat comfortably.

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.