What to Buy for Networking Drinks

For networking drinks, your shopping list needs to cover more than bottles and snacks. Guests will need a clear arrival point, enough glasses for different drinks, practical serving equipment and a place to sit or stand. This plan includes supplies for a buffet, coffee service, chilled drinks, name tags and basic atmosphere. Use your confirmed guest list to adjust quantities, then check fresh food and cooling capacity close to the event rather than leaving them until the last hour.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

High tablesqty 8
Bistro chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 80
Highball glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 8
Small bowlsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Microphone
Laptop

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Decorations

Name card holdersqty 50
Tableclothsqty 12
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Welcome sign
Chalkboardsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop set

Catering

Groceries
- Beer - 96 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Brie - 6 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Bitterballen - 400 pieces
- Mini spring rolls - 200 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 200 pieces
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Cocktail picks - 4 boxes
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs

Tips

Plan at least one drinking glass per guest, plus a small buffer for replacements. If you serve wine and soft drinks, include both wine glasses and longdrink glasses rather than expecting one type to do every job.
Give the registration table its own supplies: name tags, name tag holders, pens and a welcome sign. Set it up at least 30 minutes before doors open so arrivals do not block the first drink point.
Check cooling space before buying fresh drinks. Load coolers in batches and put the first drinks cold several hours ahead; a last-minute trip to chill everything is rarely practical.
For buffet service, count one plate and one cutlery set per guest, then add roughly 10 percent spare. Small bowls, serving platters, serving spoons and tongs prevent guests from using personal cutlery to serve snacks.
Test the room’s power points before bringing in coffee machines, kettles, speakers and lighting. Keep extension cords and power strips away from walkways, and prepare coffee supplies separately so the coffee station can open when needed.

Frequently asked questions

How many glasses do I need for networking drinks?: Start with one glass per guest for each drink type being served, plus 10 percent extra. For 40 guests and wine and soft drinks, that means about 44 wine glasses and 44 longdrink glasses if both are offered throughout the event.
How early should I put drinks in the coolers?: Put drinks in the coolers at least 3 to 4 hours before guests arrive. Keep a second batch ready if the event lasts longer than 2 hours, because one cooler load may not cover the full evening.
What do I need for a networking drinks buffet?: For every guest, allow one plate and one cutlery set, plus about 10 percent spare. Add small bowls, serving platters, serving spoons and serving tongs, and place the buffet at least 30 minutes before arrival.
When should I prepare name tags and the registration table?: Prepare name tags and holders 1 day before the event, using the confirmed guest list. Set up the registration table, welcome sign and spare tags at least 30 minutes before doors open.

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