What to buy for networking drinks

A networking drinks event needs more than bottles and snacks. You also need enough glassware, chilled storage, serving equipment and clear name badges so guests can move around easily and start conversations. Use this list alongside your guest count, then buy or borrow the items that are easy to overlook, such as water glasses, ice containers, pens and waste bins. Plan the shopping at least 2–3 days before the event, with drinks chilled on the day itself.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Coat racksqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 80
Beer glassesqty 70
Water glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pouring bottlesqty 6

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Name badgesqty 80
Badge holdersqty 80
Pensqty 20
Information boardsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Pilsner beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Dry white wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Tonic - 6 bottles
- Ginger beer - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Mint - 4 Bunches
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Cashews - 3 kilograms
- Party nuts - 3 kilograms
- Olives - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 4 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 2 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Wraps - 6 packs
- Smoked salmon - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Vegetarian spreads - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Cocktail picks - 500 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Plan 2–3 drinks per guest for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic options in the same calculation.
Allow 1 wine glass, 1 beer glass and 1 water glass per guest if you are not collecting used glasses during the event. Add at least 10% extra glassware for breakages and misplaced glasses.
Prepare 2–4 small snack portions per guest per hour, with extra options for dietary requirements. Buy serving platters, serving spoons, chopping boards and kitchen knives instead of relying on the venue’s kitchen.
Set up one name badge, badge holder and pen per guest, plus at least 10% spare supplies. Put the registration table near the entrance and keep information boards visible from the main room.
Check cooling capacity before buying drinks: allow roughly 1 cooler or ice container for every 40–50 bottles or cans. Arrange tables, high tables, chairs and coat racks before guests arrive, and test extension cords, power strips and speakers at least 2 hours beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a networking event?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and around 1 drink per person for every following hour. For a 3-hour event with 50 guests, that means roughly 200–250 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic choices.
How much glassware do I need for networking drinks?: Provide at least 1 wine glass, 1 beer glass and 1 water glass per guest when there is no active glass collection. For 50 guests, prepare 165 glasses as a minimum and add about 10% extra if possible.
When should I buy supplies for networking drinks?: Complete the main shopping 2–3 days before the event, after registrations and dietary requirements are known. Buy fresh snacks 1 day before, then chill drinks and prepare the buffet on the event day.
How many name badges and pens should I buy?: Prepare 1 name badge and badge holder per registered guest, plus 10% spare. For 50 guests, bring at least 55 badges, 55 holders and 10–15 pens so replacements are available.

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