What to buy for a language quiz

A language quiz needs more than questions and answer sheets. You also need a practical setup for teams, a separate judges’ table, reliable presentation equipment and enough drinks and tableware for the full session. Use your registered participant count as the basis for buying supplies, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and breakage. The list below covers the items most often forgotten until setup day, including power strips, extension cords, scoreboards and serving equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Judges' table
Reception desk

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Teacupsqty 20
Platesqty 70
Forksqty 70
Knivesqty 70
Spoonsqty 70

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Pitchersqty 4
Bottle openersqty 2
Teaspoonsqty 20

Quiz materials

Scoreboardsqty 8
Pensqty 70
Clipboardsqty 8
Suggestion boxesqty 8

Decorations

Table runnersqty 8
Table signsqty 8
Prizesqty 3

Lighting

Table lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 2 bottles
- sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 six-packs
- Beer - 4 six-packs
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Rosé - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Vegetable sticks - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 2 kilos
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Meatballs - 120 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 80 pieces
- Flammetjes - 60 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Diet-friendly snacks - 4 packs
- Cocktail sauce - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Plan one chair per participant plus two to four extra chairs for judges, helpers or late arrivals. Count tables by team size rather than by total attendance, and leave a separate table for the quiz and jury.
For a two- to three-hour quiz, allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra water and hot-drink supplies if there is a planned break.
Print answer forms, quiz booklets and scorecards for every participant or team, then prepare at least 10% extra copies. Keep spare pens and a few tie-break sheets at the judges’ table.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and wireless microphone together at the venue at least one day before the quiz. Pack the required extension cords and power strips rather than assuming the room has enough outlets.
Buy or bring serving platters, tongs, pitchers and bottle openers before shopping for refreshments. These small items are easy to overlook and can delay service when the first break starts.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a language quiz night?: You need quiz booklets, answer forms, scorecards or scoreboards, pens, prizes and tie-break questions. For the room, plan tables, chairs, a separate judges’ table, a laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphone and the necessary power cables.
How many drinks should I buy for a language quiz?: For a two- to three-hour quiz, calculate two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every following hour. Add roughly 10% extra for late arrivals, spills and unexpected guests.
How many quiz sheets should I print?: Print one quiz booklet and answer form for each participant or team, depending on your format, plus at least 10% extra copies. Prepare separate scorecards for each team and keep spare tie-break questions with the judges.
When should I test the quiz equipment?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and wireless microphone at the venue at least one day before the event. Check the full presentation and audio setup again when you open the venue, with extension cords and power strips ready.

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