What to Buy for a Magic Show
A magic show needs more than snacks and seats. Guests must be able to see and hear the performer, while the magician needs a clear table and an organised performance area. This shopping list covers seating, audio equipment, lighting, decorations, serving supplies and hot drinks. Check quantities against your guest list, then test the microphone, speaker, lights and extension cords before the event rather than discovering a problem when the audience is seated.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 70
- Tablesqty 6
- Magic table
- Information desk
- Folding chairs for staffqty 4
Equipment
- Portable speaker
- Wireless microphone
- Microphone stand
- Extension cordsqty 3
- Power stripsqty 3
- Gaffer tapeqty 2
Lighting
- LED spotlightsqty 2
- Mood lightingqty 2
Decorations
- Magic backdrop
- Balloonsqty 50
- Balloon arch
- Tableclothsqty 6
- Star garlandsqty 6
- Arrows to the hallqty 6
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 80
- Reusable platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Coffee cupsqty 30
- Serving plattersqty 10
- Serving tongsqty 6
Kitchen
- Coolersqty 4
- Kettlesqty 2
- Coffee maker
- Thermos flasksqty 3
- Cutting boardsqty 2
- Knivesqty 4
- Ice packsqty 12
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 4
- Broom
- Dustpan and brush
- Mop set
- Cleaning bucketqty 2
- Microfiber clothsqty 10
- Hand soap dispensersqty 2
- Paper towel dispenserqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Multifruit juice - 4 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon slices - 4 lemons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted sticks - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Mini cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs
Tips
- Plan one chair per guest, plus at least two spare chairs for late arrivals or staff. Leave a clear route between the seating area and the magic table.
- For a spoken show, use a wireless microphone and portable speaker when the audience is larger than a small living-room group. Test the microphone from the back row and secure extension cords with gaffer tape.
- Keep the magic table separate from the information desk and refreshments. Allow enough clear space for the performer to move and place materials without guests reaching into the performance area.
- Count reusable cups, plates and cutlery for every registered guest, then add 10% extra. Bring serving platters and tongs so snacks can be served without people handling the food.
- Prepare coffee and hot water before doors open, using the coffee maker, kettles and thermos flasks. Chill drinks in coolers in advance; waiting until guests arrive is a common cause of queues.
Frequently asked questions
- How many chairs do I need for a magic show?
- Provide one chair for each expected guest and keep at least two spare chairs available. Staff should also have folding chairs if they need to sit during the performance.
- Do I need a microphone for a magic show?
- For more than about 20 guests, a wireless microphone and portable speaker usually make the show easier to follow. Test both at least 30 minutes before the audience enters.
- How many cups and plates should I buy for a magic show?
- Count one cup and one plate per guest, plus 10% extra for replacements and seconds. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 cups and 44 plates.
- When should I chill drinks for a magic show?
- Put drinks in the coolers at least 3 hours before the show so they are cold when guests arrive. Set out only part of the supply at first and refill during the break.
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