What you need for a Movie Classics Night

A Movie Classics Night needs more than films and a projector. Plan drinks and snacks for the full screening, plus enough cups, plates and serving utensils for guests to help themselves without interrupting the film. Check the technical items early: HDMI cables, extension cords, power strips, spare batteries and backup playback options are easy to overlook. This list also covers coffee service, cooling drinks and simple cinema-style decoration.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
Welcome table
Snack tablesqty 2

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
HDMI cablesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Remote controlsqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 6
Movies on DVDqty 3

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Movie postersqty 8
Film clapperboard
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilogram
- Popcorn oil - 1 bottle
- Popcorn salt - 1 tin
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Cheese cookies - 3 packs
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Wine gums - 3 bags
- Licorice - 3 bags
- Chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mini sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Wraps - 20 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Ginger beer - 2 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee cream - 2 tubs
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Mineral water for coffee - 10 liters
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two more for each additional hour. Include water as well as hot drinks, and keep at least one cooler available for chilled bottles or cans.
For snacks, allow about 150–200 g per person for a two-film evening, divided between bowls so guests do not crowd one table. Put out serving spoons and plates before the first screening starts.
Count tableware against your guest list, then add 10% spare items. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 drinking glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery sets where each item is needed.
Test the projector, screen, laptop, speakers and audio mixer at least 24 hours before the event. Keep HDMI cables, extension cords, power strips, remote controls and spare batteries together so a missing connection does not delay the opening film.
Buy shelf-stable snacks several days ahead, but chill drinks and prepare coffee and tea on the day. Set out movie posters, a clapperboard, tablecloths and atmosphere lights after the technical setup so decorations do not block cables or equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a Movie Classics Night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two per person for every additional hour. For a three-hour programme with 30 guests, plan roughly 120 to 150 drinks, including water and hot drinks.
How much popcorn and snacks should I buy per guest?: Buy around 150–200 g of mixed snacks per person for a two-film evening. For 30 guests, that is 4.5–6 kg in total, spread across several serving bowls.
How many cups and plates do I need for 30 guests?: Prepare at least 33 of each item that guests will use, allowing a 10% spare margin. This covers drinking glasses, coffee cups, plates and cutlery without requiring immediate washing.
When should I test the movie equipment?: Run a complete test at least 24 hours before the screening. Check every film, subtitle setting, HDMI connection, speaker and remote, then keep spare batteries and backup cables available on the event day.

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