Movie Night Shopping List

A good movie night needs more than a film and a screen. You will need drinks and snacks for the full screening, serving items that are easy to reach in the dark, and the right cables to connect your laptop, projector and speakers. Plan quantities from the confirmed guest list, then add a small buffer for late registrations or second servings. Check dietary requirements before shopping, and test every piece of equipment before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 60
Tablesqty 6

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
HDMI cableqty 2
HDMI adapterqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Remote controlqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 8

Lighting

Mood lightingqty 4
Standing lampsqty 2

Decorations

Movie night postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Small bowlsqty 12
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Pliersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 4 bags
- Sunflower oil - 2 bottles
- Popcorn salt - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Mini cookies - 5 packs
- Milk chocolate bars - 30 pieces
- Wine gums - 3 bags
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilogram
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 8 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each following hour. Include water as well as the other drinks, and chill them several hours before guests arrive.
Buy snacks in several small bowls rather than one large serving dish. For a two-hour film, allow roughly 100–150 g of snacks per guest, plus extra options for any dietary requirements you collected.
Count tableware from the final visitor list and add 10% spare pieces. Put out one cup and plate per guest, then keep extra reusable cups, plates, cutlery and small bowls near the serving area.
Pack the connection kit together: projector, laptop, HDMI cable, HDMI adapter, remote control, spare batteries, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at least one day before the screening, including subtitles and sound.
Do not leave coffee and tea supplies until the last shop. Set up the coffee maker and kettle, and prepare enough coffee cups, thermos flasks, serving spoons, bottle openers and cutting boards for the whole evening.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a movie night?: For a two-hour film, plan about 100–150 g of snacks per guest, divided between sweet and savoury options. Add around 10% extra if guests may want second servings.
How many drinks should I buy for a movie night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one more drink per person for every additional hour. Buy at least one water option for every guest, and chill drinks several hours in advance.
What equipment do I need for a movie night projector setup?: You need a projector, projection screen, laptop, HDMI cable, the correct HDMI adapter, speakers, extension cords and power strips. Test the full connection at least one day before the event and keep spare batteries for the remote control.
How many cups and plates do I need for movie night?: Start with one cup and one plate per guest, then add 10% spare tableware. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 cups and 33 plates, plus enough cutlery and small bowls for the planned snacks.

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