Living Room Concert Checklist

A living room concert needs more than a performer and a few chairs. This checklist takes you from confirming the date and guest list to the soundcheck, welcome drinks, and opening speech. The main pressure points are usually practical: clearing enough space, protecting instruments and cables, collecting dietary requirements, and giving the artist accurate arrival information. Work through the plan in order so shopping, room setup, and technical checks are finished before guests arrive.

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

  • Confirm the date with the performer

  • Finalize the schedule and game times

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Finalize guest list

  • Send practical information to artist

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

  • Prepare snacks

    2 people

  • Clear the living room

    2 people

  • Set out furniture

    3 people

  • Clear the stage

    2 people

  • Set up sound equipment

    2 people

  • Place instruments safely

    2 people

  • Set up lighting

  • Hang decorations

    2 people

  • Set up the buffet and bar

    2 people

  • Check the restroom and entrance

  • Soundcheck with artist

    3 people

Event

  • Welcome guests

    2 people

  • Supervise coats and bags

  • Serve welcome drinks

    2 people

  • Give the opening speech

  • Lead the first concert set

  • Serve snacks

    2 people

  • Refill drinks

  • Set out snack break refreshments

    2 people

  • Lead the break

    2 people

  • Lead the second concert set

  • Set up the dinner buffet

    3 people

  • Serve dinner buffet

    3 people

  • Collect tableware

    2 people

  • Guide the third concert set

  • Serve dessert and coffee

    2 people

  • Guide the request songs

  • Farewell and hand out coats

    2 people

  • Ensure guests leave safely

Aftercare

  • Store leftovers in the fridge

    2 people

  • Tear down audio equipment

    2 people

  • Wash dishes

    2 people

  • Collect waste

    2 people

  • Clean the living room

    2 people

  • Put furniture back

    2 people

  • Remove decorations

  • Check equipment and cables

  • Return borrowed items

  • Arrange artist payment

  • Thank the guests

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • High tablesqty 3
  • Dining tablesqty 4
  • Chairsqty 36
  • Stoolsqty 4
  • Coat rack
  • Coat rack

Tableware

  • Wine glassesqty 40
  • Water glassesqty 40
  • Coffee cupsqty 30
  • Dinner platesqty 40
  • Dessert platesqty 40
  • Cutlery setsqty 40
  • Serving plattersqty 8
  • Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

  • Active speakersqty 2
  • Mixer
  • Microphonesqty 2
  • Microphone standsqty 2
  • Music cablesqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 4
  • Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

  • Atmosphere lightsqty 6
  • LED string lightsqty 3
  • Spare batteriesqty 24

Decorations

  • Tableclothsqty 6
  • Flower bouquetsqty 4
  • Welcome sign
  • Menusqty 36

Kitchen

  • Coffee maker
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Coolersqty 2
  • Thermos flasksqty 3

Cleaning

  • Washing-up bowlsqty 2
  • Dustpans and brushesqty 2

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Confirm the performer’s date before sending invitations, then allow at least 7 days to collect registrations and dietary requirements. Share the final guest count with the artist once registrations close.
  • Clear the living room before moving in dining tables, high tables, chairs, and stools. Keep a clear route from the entrance to the performance area and leave at least 60 cm around cables and furniture where people will walk.
  • Schedule the soundcheck at least 90 minutes before the first guest arrives. Test the active speakers, mixer, microphones, stands, music cables, power strips, and extension cords together rather than checking each item separately.
  • Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive and prepare welcome drinks before the door opens. For the first hour, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, plus water available in separate glasses.
  • Do not leave lighting and entrance details until the final minutes. Set up atmosphere lights and LED string lights, check spare batteries, place the welcome sign, and inspect the restroom and coat area before the artist’s soundcheck.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start planning a living room concert?
Start at least 4 to 6 weeks before the concert. Confirm the performer first, then send invitations, process registrations, collect dietary requirements, and finalize the guest list.
How long before a living room concert should the soundcheck be?
Plan the soundcheck at least 90 minutes before guests arrive. This gives you time to test the speakers, mixer, microphones, cables, and power connections and fix problems without an audience waiting.
How many drinks do I need for a living room concert?
For the first hour, allow about 2 to 3 drinks per person, then add water and drinks for the rest of the evening. Chill the drinks several hours in advance and keep extra water available throughout the concert.
When should I set up the living room for a concert?
Clear the room and position the furniture on the day of the concert, finishing at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Complete the soundcheck, lighting, buffet, bar, coats, and restroom check before opening the door.

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