Movie night shopping list

Use this shopping list to prepare the room, screening setup and refreshments for your movie night. Plan food and drinks around the number of guests, then check serving equipment before you shop. The projector, screen, speakers, mixer, media player and cables are easy to overlook, especially when they come from different places. Buy or gather everything early enough to test the setup, chill drinks and prepare the buffet before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 70
Foldable tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 3
Entrance table

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Media player
HDMI cablesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 5
Power stripsqty 4
Remote controlsqty 2

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 3

Decorations

Projection screen decorationqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Arrows and signsqty 10
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Bottle openersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Floor squeegeeqty 2
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilograms
- Popcorn salt - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pretzels - 5 bags
- Mixed nuts - 5 bags
- Wine gums - 5 bags
- Licorice - 4 bags
- Chocolate bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Mini sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Cheese slices - 2 kilograms
- Ham slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then add about 1 drink per person for each following hour. Include water and allow extra cups if guests will refill throughout the evening.
Buy snacks by serving size rather than by package count: allow 2–3 small snack portions per guest for a standard movie night. Add plates, serving platters and serving tongs so food is not passed around by hand.
Check the full projection chain at least 24 hours beforehand: projector, screen, media player, HDMI cables, speakers, mixer, extension cords and power strips. Test the actual video files, not just the equipment menu.
Chill drinks several hours before doors open and prepare ice in advance. Keep coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks ready if refreshments will continue after the film starts.
Pack practical extras with the decorations: remote controls, flashlights, arrows and signs, tablecloths and reusable cups. Flashlights are especially useful when the screening room is dark and someone needs to find a seat or exit.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a movie night?: Allow 2–3 small snack portions per guest for a film lasting around two hours. If the movie night replaces dinner, plan a larger buffet rather than relying on snacks alone.
How many drinks should I buy for a movie night?: Plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and about 1 more per person for every additional hour. Add water and a few extra servings if guests cannot easily refill their cups.
When should I test the movie night equipment?: Test the projector, screen, sound, media player and video files at least 24 hours before the event. Do a second connection check 1–2 hours before guests arrive, when the room is set up.
What should I buy for a movie night buffet?: Prepare snacks, drinks, reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets, serving platters and serving tongs. Set up the buffet at least 30 minutes before the screening so guests are not queuing once the film begins.

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