What you need for a living room concert

A living room concert needs more than instruments and a few chairs. Plan drinks, snacks, serving equipment and enough tableware for the audience, while keeping the performance area clear for speakers, microphones and cables. Count guests before shopping, then add a small buffer for breakage and unexpected arrivals. The items below cover the practical setup, from chilled drinks and water carafes to lighting, power and sound equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 36
Bistro tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Musical instrumentsqty 2
Instrument standsqty 2
Audio cablesqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Gaffer tapeqty 2

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 3
String lightsqty 3

Tableware

Water glassesqty 40
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Forksqty 40
Knivesqty 40
Spoonsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Kitchen

Water carafesqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkin holdersqty 4
Flower arrangementsqty 3
Program standsqty 2
Name badgesqty 36

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Grape juice - 2 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Rosé - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Brie - 3 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Toasts - 4 packs
- Herb butter - 3 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Chocolate - 6 bars
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 1 pack

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water and chill the drinks before guests arrive.
Allow one plate, fork and glass per guest, plus around 10% extra. Keep separate supplies for water, wine and coffee so you are not washing glasses during the concert.
Set aside a clear performance area before buying or arranging furniture. Leave enough room for active speakers, microphone stands, instrument stands and safe cable routes.
Count every power connection needed for the mixer, speakers, lighting and instruments, then add at least two spare sockets. Use extension cords and power strips only where they can be secured with gaffer tape.
Prepare snacks that can be eaten without cutlery and place them on serving platters before the audience arrives. Keep coffee cups, a coffee machine and thermos flasks ready if coffee will be served after the performance.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a living room concert?: For a two- to three-hour concert, plan two to three drinks per person in the first hour and one per person per later hour. Provide about four to six small snack portions per guest, with extra water available throughout.
How many glasses and plates should I buy for a home concert?: Start with one plate and one eating utensil per guest, plus one glass for drinks and access to water. Add roughly 10% extra; for 30 guests, that means at least 33 of each frequently used item.
What sound equipment is needed for a living room concert?: A basic setup may include active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, instrument stands and suitable audio cables. Check the performer’s requirements at least one week before the concert so missing equipment can still be borrowed or hired.
How early should I set up the equipment for a living room concert?: Set up the sound system, microphones and lighting at least two hours before guests arrive. Reserve 30 to 45 minutes for a sound check, cable checks and adjustments after the instruments are in position.

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