What to buy for a movie night
A movie night needs more than a film and a screen. Plan drinks and snacks by guest count, then check the serving supplies, coffee setup and technical items before shopping. Reusable cups, plates and serving utensils are easy to overlook, while chilled drinks and prepared snacks take time on the day. Use the checklist below to cover both the refreshments and the equipment needed for a smooth screening.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Chairsqty 60
- Tablesqty 8
- Buffet tablesqty 2
- Coat rack
- Waste binsqty 4
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 80
- Platesqty 70
- Knivesqty 70
- Forksqty 70
- Spoonsqty 40
- Serving plattersqty 8
- Serving utensilsqty 8
Equipment
- Projector
- Projection screen
- Laptop
- HDMI cable
- HDMI adapter
- Speakersqty 2
- Audio cable
- Microphone
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
- Cable matsqty 6
Lighting
- Atmosphere lightsqty 6
- Battery lightsqty 12
Decorations
- Movie Night Posterqty 4
- Buntingqty 6
- Tableclothsqty 8
Kitchen
- Coffee maker
- Kettlesqty 2
- Thermos flasksqty 3
- Coolersqty 3
- Ice cube traysqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 3
- Knivesqty 3
- Pliersqty 4
- Ice packsqty 12
Cleaning
- Hand broomsqty 2
- Trash binsqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kg
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Popcorn salt - 2 tubs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salty popcorn - 4 bags
- Sweet popcorn - 4 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Pretzels - 3 bags
- Mini Cucumbers - 3 kg
- Carrots - 2 kg
- Grapes - 3 kg
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kg
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Salsa - 6 jars
- Guacamole - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 10 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Lemonade - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Diet-friendly snacks - 20 pieces
- Diet-friendly drink - 12 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 8 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
Tips
- Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them at least four hours before guests arrive.
- Allow roughly 150–200 grams of snacks per person for a two-hour film. Buy a mix that includes options for the dietary requirements you collected during registration.
- Count one plate, cup and set of cutlery per guest, plus about 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means preparing at least 44 of each reusable item.
- Test the laptop, projector, HDMI cable, adapter and speakers at least one day before the screening. Check the full film and sound setup for 15–20 minutes, not just the opening screen.
- Bring enough extension cords, power strips and cable mats for every connection, and tape or cover cables before guests enter. Keep the entrance, buffet and projection area clear for the entire evening.
Frequently asked questions
- How much food do I need for a movie night?
- For a two-hour film, plan around 150–200 grams of snacks per guest. Add 10% extra for a mixed group, and buy separate options if guests have dietary requirements.
- How many drinks should I buy for movie night?
- Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for every later hour. For 20 guests watching a two-hour film, buy about 60–80 drinks.
- What serving supplies do I need for a movie night?
- Prepare one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per guest, plus 10% spare. You will also need serving platters and serving utensils for the buffet, along with waste bins.
- When should I test the movie night equipment?
- Test the projector, screen, laptop, HDMI connection, audio cable and speakers at least one day before the event. On the day, allow 30–45 minutes to connect everything and check the film, sound and cable safety again.
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