What you need for a movie night

A movie night needs more than films and seats. Plan snacks and drinks for the full screening, then check that you have enough glasses, plates, serving bowls, and cutlery for the number of guests. Coffee, tea, chilled drinks, and easy-to-serve food are often arranged too late. Keep the projector setup in mind too: an HDMI cable, adapter, extension cords, and power strips can make the difference between a smooth start and a delayed screening.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 60
Tablesqty 8
Tableclothqty 8
Registration desk

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Speakersqty 2
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
HDMI adapterqty 2
Remote control

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 10

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 2

Decorations

Projection screen decorationqty 2
Movie postersqty 4
Directional signsqty 6

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 3

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilos
- Popcorn oil - 2 bottles
- Popcorn salt - 2 jars
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mini chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill bottled drinks in coolers before guests arrive.
Buy at least two snack portions per guest if the movie lasts around two hours. Put snacks in serving bowls and use serving tongs so people do not have to reach into packets.
Count tableware against your confirmed registrations, then add 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 glasses, plates, and cutlery sets.
Check the projector connection at least one day before the screening. Test the laptop, HDMI cable, HDMI adapter, speakers, remote control, extension cords, and power strips together.
Arrange coffee and tea supplies before the event starts, not during the interval. Set out the coffee maker, kettles, coffee cups, and a clear place for used cups and plates.

Frequently asked questions

What snacks and drinks do I need for a movie night?: For a two-hour movie, plan roughly two snack portions and two to three drinks per person. Add one extra drink per person if the evening includes a second film or a long interval.
How much tableware should I buy for a movie night?: Use the confirmed guest count and add 10% extra. For 20 guests, prepare at least 22 drinking glasses, plates, and cutlery sets, plus enough coffee cups for anyone having coffee or tea.
When should I check the movie night equipment?: Check the video file and test the complete setup at least one day before the event. Connect the laptop, projector, screen, speakers, HDMI cable, adapter, extension cords, and power strips in the same configuration you will use.
How early should I chill drinks and set out snacks?: Put drinks in coolers at least two hours before guests arrive so they are cold at the start. Set out snacks 15 to 30 minutes before the screening, keeping anything that should stay crisp sealed until then.

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