What to Buy for a Movie Night

A movie night needs more than films and a screen. Plan snacks and drinks for the full audience, then check serving items, hot drinks and the equipment connections before shopping. For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per guest and roughly 50–75 g of popcorn or snacks per person. This list also covers the items people often remember too late, such as spare batteries, power strips, cable covers and allergen information.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 45
Tablesqty 6
Side tablesqty 4
Coat rack
Cushionsqty 20

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Speakersqty 2
HDMI cableqty 2
Remote control
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Cable traysqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 4
USB stickqty 2

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Snack bowlsqty 10
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Pouring bottlesqty 4

Kitchen

Popcorn machine
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3

Decorations

Movie postersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
Directional signsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilograms
- Sunflower oil - 2 bottles
- Fine salt - 1 pack
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Cheddar cheese - 1 kilogram
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Guacamole - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Wine gums - 2 kilograms
- Drop - 1 kilogram
- Milk chocolate - 2 kilogram
- Vegan chocolate bars - 10 bars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Still water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Ice cubes - 8 kilograms
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cocoa powder - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Tips

Buy 50–75 g of popcorn and snacks per guest, plus about two to three drinks per person for the first hour. Add extra snacks if the film starts around a normal mealtime.
Plan one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, with at least 10% extra. Five spare sets cover a group of 50 and help when items are dropped or left in another room.
Check the projector, screen, laptop, speakers and HDMI cable at least 24 hours before the screening. Keep a USB stick with the film files and spare batteries for the remote control.
Count power strips and extension cords before setup, and bring cable trays or tape for every cable crossing a walkway. Secure cables before guests arrive rather than during the film.
Buy coffee and tea supplies for the expected attendance, and prepare allergen information before shopping. Chill drinks several hours ahead; set out popcorn and snacks shortly before the doors open.

Frequently asked questions

How much popcorn do I need for a movie night?: Allow 50–75 g of popcorn or other snacks per guest. For 20 people, that is 1–1.5 kg, with extra food if the screening overlaps dinner.
How many drinks should I buy for a movie night?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add about one drink per person for each additional hour. For 20 guests and a two-hour film, buy roughly 60–80 drinks, depending on size and audience.
When should I test the movie night equipment?: Test the projector, screen, laptop, speakers, HDMI connection and playback files at least 24 hours before the event. Do a short final sound and picture check 60 minutes before guests arrive.
How many cups and plates do I need for movie night?: Provide one cup and plate per guest, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare at least 33 cups and plates, along with enough cutlery and serving bowls.

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