What you need for a LAN party

A LAN party needs more than computers and a network. Plan food and drinks for the full session, plus the cables, power equipment and spare accessories that keep players connected when something fails. This shopping list covers practical items such as switches, Ethernet cables, power strips, reusable tableware, coffee equipment and coolers. Buy perishables close to the event, and check technical quantities against the number of players before you shop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 28
Catering tableqty 2
Registration desk

Equipment

Network Switchesqty 3
Router
Wireless access point
Network cablesqty 32
Backup screensqty 2
Spare keyboardsqty 2
Spare miceqty 2
Speaker set
Microphone
Toolbox
USB sticksqty 4
Ethernet connectorsqty 10
Cable tiesqty 100
Device labelsqty 40
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 12
Surge protectorsqty 4

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Mugsqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 4
Food tongsqty 4

Decorations

Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Reusable clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Energy drink - 36 cans
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Paper coffee filters - 2 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Buns - 36 pieces
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian sandwich slices - 1 kilo
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 6 pieces
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per additional hour. Add extra water and keep drinks cold in coolers before guests arrive.
Count one network connection and one power position per player, then add at least 10% spare capacity. Bring extra network cables, extension cords, power strips and surge protectors rather than relying on one shared strip.
Pack backup equipment before shopping day: spare keyboards, spare mice, backup screens, USB sticks and Ethernet connectors. Test each item and label shared equipment at least one day before the event.
Buy snacks that can be eaten at the desk without plates or cutlery, then provide separate serving trays for food that needs portioning. Set aside reusable cups, mugs, plates and cutlery for the catering table.
Allow at least 60 minutes before opening for network and power setup, including testing switches, the router, wireless access point and cables. Keep a toolbox, cable ties, device labels and LED work lights together so small fixes do not delay registration.

Frequently asked questions

What food and drinks do I need for a LAN party?: For the first hour, plan two to three drinks per person; after that, allow roughly one drink per person per hour. Buy easy-to-eat snacks, plus enough food for the planned session, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
How many power strips and extension cords do I need for a LAN party?: Start with one power position per player and add at least 10% spare capacity. Use power strips, extension cords and surge protectors that can safely handle the load, and finish the power plan at least one day before setup.
How many network cables do I need for a LAN party?: Plan one working network cable per player, plus at least 10% spares and a few Ethernet connectors for damaged ends. Test every cable and network switch before the event, ideally 24 hours in advance.
What backup equipment should I bring to a LAN party?: Bring spare keyboards, spare mice, backup screens, USB sticks and a toolbox, along with cable ties and device labels. Prepare and test the backup kit at least one day before the LAN party so it is ready when a player has a hardware problem.

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