What you need for a movie night

A movie night needs more than a film and a projector. Use this shopping list to cover the screening setup, seating, drinks, snacks, serving items and the small supplies that are easy to miss. Check your equipment before shopping, especially the HDMI connection, power strips and extension cords. Plan quantities around your guest count, then chill drinks and prepare snacks before people arrive so the screening can start on time.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
High tablesqty 2
Coat rack

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptops
Speakersqty 2
HDMI cable
HDMI adapter
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6
LED candlesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Movie night postersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand brush and dustpanqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Popcorn kernels - 2 kilos
- Popcorn salt - 1 jar
- Butter - 500 grams
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Cashews - 2 bags
- Olives - 3 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as other drinks, and chill them before guests arrive.
Buy one reusable cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Extra tableware prevents problems when something is dropped or guests take a second serving.
Check the projector, laptop, speakers, HDMI cable and adapter at least one day before the movie night. Test the complete setup together rather than checking each item separately.
Prepare two snack portions per guest for the first screening hour, with extra serving platters and serving spoons for different snacks. Keep dietary requirements separate and label them clearly.
Count power strips and extension cords based on every device at the screening point, including the projector, laptop and speakers. Bring one spare HDMI cable or adapter if your equipment uses different connections.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a movie night?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every hour after that. Add water separately and keep drinks chilled before guests arrive.
How much tableware should I buy for a movie night?: Provide one cup, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 20 guests, that means 22 cups, 22 plates and 22 cutlery sets.
When should I test the movie night equipment?: Test the projector, screen, laptop, speakers, HDMI cable and adapter at least one day in advance. Repeat a short check 30 minutes before guests arrive to catch loose connections or a flat device battery.
How many extension cords do I need for a movie night?: Count one suitable power connection for each powered device, then group nearby equipment with power strips. Add at least one spare extension cord so a cable does not run across a walkway or stop you from repositioning the setup.

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