What you need for a movie night

A movie night needs more than a film and a screen. Plan the food, drinks, serving items and technical essentials before you go shopping, especially if the event is in a hall or shared venue. For drinks, allow two to three per person during the first hour, then adjust for the rest of the programme. Check dietary requirements before buying snacks, and test every cable, device and the film itself at least once before guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 55
Tablesqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat rack

Equipment

Projector
Projection screen
Laptop
Speakersqty 2
Audio cableqty 2
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Remote controlqty 2

Lighting

Table lampsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Platesqty 60
Bowlsqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

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

Decorations

Movie postersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Mop set
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilograms
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Popcorn salt - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Chocolate bars - 50 pieces
- Wine gums - 3 bags
- Licorice - 2 bags
- Apples - 25 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper snack bags - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Buy snacks in several easy-to-share types and provide at least one option for each recorded dietary requirement. Put snacks in bowls and use serving platters or tongs so guests do not reach into open packets.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add extra for a longer film or programme. Chill drinks in coolers and prepare ice before the venue opens; ice cube trays are easy to forget.
Count one reusable cup per guest plus around 10% extra, and provide plates, bowls and cutlery for the food you are serving. Keep a separate supply of coffee cups for the coffee and tea service.
Pack the technical kit together: projector, screen, laptop, speakers, HDMI and audio cables, extension cords, power strips and the remote control. Bring one spare connection option if your laptop and projector do not use the same port.
Take practical venue supplies as well as decorations: tablecloths, directional signs, movie posters, table lamps and a coat rack. Keep a vacuum cleaner available for snack spills and rubbish around the seating area after the screening.

Frequently asked questions

What food should I buy for a movie night?: Buy easy-to-eat snacks that can be served in bowls, on plates or from serving platters. Plan at least one suitable option for every dietary requirement collected during registration, and add extra portions for late arrivals.
How many drinks do I need for a movie night?: Start with two to three drinks per person for the first hour. Add more for a longer programme, and keep some drinks chilled in coolers before guests arrive.
What equipment do I need for a movie night in a hall?: You need a projector, projection screen, laptop and speakers, plus HDMI and audio cables, extension cords, power strips and a remote control. Download and test the film, connections and sound before the event, preferably at least one day in advance.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a movie night?: Plan one cup and one plate per guest, then add about 10% spare supplies. Include bowls, cutlery sets, serving tongs and separate coffee cups if you are serving coffee or tea.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.