What to Buy for a Movie Night

A movie night needs more than a film and a screen. Use this shopping list to cover drinks, snacks, serving ware, hot drinks, seating, projection equipment, and the small technical items that are easy to overlook. Plan roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add snacks according to the length of the film and the time guests arrive. Check cables, batteries, and subtitles before guests arrive, not when the opening credits are starting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 48
Tablesqty 6
Buffet tableqty 2
Reception desk
Tableclothsqty 6

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Audio mixer
Laptop
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Remote controlsqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 8

Tableware

Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 48
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 48
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Pliersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Decorations

Movie postersqty 6
Table décorqty 6
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6
LED string lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 5 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 5 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilos
- Popcorn salt - 1 jar
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Mini wraps - 6 packs
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Fruit gums - 4 bags
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Cardboard popcorn cups - 60 pieces
- Disposable cups - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

For drinks, allow two to three servings per person for the first hour, plus water. Chill drinks in coolers several hours beforehand and keep extra ice available if the room is warm.
Plan about two snack portions per person for a short film, or three to four for a full-length film. Put snacks on serving platters and provide plates, glasses, cutlery, and serving spoons so guests do not crowd the buffet table.
Check the projector, screen, speakers, audio mixer, laptop, HDMI cable, extension cords, and power strips at least one day before the screening. Keep remote controls and spare batteries together at the reception desk.
If you are serving coffee or tea, prepare one coffee cup per guest and have kettles, a coffee maker, and thermos flasks ready. Set out sugar, milk, and stirrers separately so the serving area stays clear.
Buy or gather cable covers or strong tape before setup. Tape every cable securely to the floor, and keep one spare HDMI cable and a tested copy of the film available in case the first connection fails.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a movie night?: For a film of around two hours, plan two to three snack portions per person. Add about 25% more if guests are arriving at mealtime or if the screening is longer than two hours.
How many drinks should I buy for movie night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each following hour. Include water and chill the drinks at least four hours before guests arrive.
What equipment do I need for a movie night projector?: You need a projector, projection screen, laptop, speakers, HDMI cable, power strips, and extension cords. Test the complete setup, including sound and subtitles, at least one day in advance.
When should I buy snacks and chill drinks for movie night?: Buy shelf-stable snacks one to two days ahead and fresh items on the day itself. Chill drinks at least four hours before the event, then set out snacks after the room and equipment are ready.

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