What to buy for a karaoke night

A karaoke night needs more than a microphone and a playlist. Plan drinks and easy-to-eat snacks for the whole evening, then check that you have enough glasses, plates and serving bowls for the guest count. The technical items are easy to overlook: HDMI cables, extension cords, power strips and spare cable ties should be ready before setup starts. Buy fresh food on the day or the evening before, and chill drinks several hours ahead.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 45
Tablesqty 6
Clothing rack
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Karaoke system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Projection screen
Laptop
HDMI cableqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Cable tiesqty 20

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 4
Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Balloon pump
Buntingqty 6
Adhesive stripsqty 2
Table décorqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Storage binsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpan
Mop and bucket

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger beer - 2 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Fruit juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Dry sausage - 8 pieces
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Mini pizzas - 6 boxes
- Mini spring rolls - 4 bags
- Bitterballen - 4 bags
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Allow 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then about 1–2 drinks per person for each following hour. Add water and keep coolers ready so guests do not queue at the kitchen fridge.
Prepare at least 3–5 snack portions per guest for the evening, including cut vegetables, fruit and cold platters. Buy fresh products no more than 24 hours before the event.
Count tableware against the confirmed registration list: plan one plate, glass, cutlery set and napkin per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Keep serving bowls and serving tongs separate from the eating utensils.
Pack the karaoke backup kit before shopping is finished: bring at least 2 extension cords, 1 power strip, a spare HDMI cable and cable ties. Test every connection with the laptop and screen before guests arrive.
Buy decorations in a setup-ready format: balloons with a balloon pump, bunting and adhesive strips, plus LED light garlands or atmosphere lights. Put lighting and cables in the karaoke corner first so decorations do not block access.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a karaoke night?: Plan 3–5 snack portions per guest for the full evening, with a mix of vegetables, fruit and cold platters. For a four-hour event, serve food in two or three rounds so the table does not empty early.
How many drinks should I buy for karaoke night?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 drinks per person for every additional hour. Add water for the entire evening and chill the first supply at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
What cables do I need for a karaoke system?: Have the HDMI cable required by the laptop and projection screen, at least 2 extension cords and 1 power strip available. Pack one spare HDMI cable and test the complete setup on the day before the event.
When should I buy food for karaoke night?: Buy fresh fruit, vegetables and other chilled products within 24 hours of the event. Do the main shopping 1–2 days beforehand, then chill drinks and prepare the snacks on the event day.

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