What you need for networking drinks
A networking drinks event needs more than bottles and snacks. You will need the right glassware, chilled storage, serving equipment and a simple way to identify guests as they arrive. Use the confirmed registration list to estimate quantities, then add a small buffer for last-minute attendees and breakages. Check dietary requirements before buying food, and arrange deliveries early enough to chill drinks before guests arrive.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 8
- High tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 30
- Bar
- Coat racksqty 2
- Tableclothsqty 14
- Waste binsqty 6
Tableware
- Wine glassesqty 70
- Beer glassesqty 70
- Water glassesqty 70
- Coffee cupsqty 50
- Platesqty 80
- Cutlery setsqty 80
- Serving plattersqty 12
- Serving spoonsqty 12
Kitchen
- Coolersqty 4
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Cutting boardsqty 4
- Chef's knivesqty 4
- Storage binsqty 12
Equipment
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Portable speakersqty 2
- Microphone
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
Decorations
- Name badgesqty 60
- Name card holdersqty 60
- Balloonsqty 50
- Buntingqty 8
- Flower arrangementsqty 6
Lighting
- String lightsqty 6
- LED lightsqty 8
Cleaning
- Cleaning bucketsqty 2
- Mopsqty 2
- Broom setsqty 2
- Cleaning glovesqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
- Beer - 120 bottles
- White wine - 10 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 6 packs
- Spa Red - 4 packs
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cheese cubes - 4 kilo
- Brie - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 kilos
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Wraps - 8 packs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Smoked salmon - 1.5 kilos
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
Tips
- Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Include water throughout the event rather than treating it as an afterthought.
- Buy or bring around four to six small snack portions per guest, with separate options for the dietary requirements you collected. Serving platters, serving spoons, cutting boards and chef’s knives keep the buffet moving.
- Allow at least one wine glass, beer glass and water glass per guest if you will not wash glasses during the event. Add 10% extra glassware for breakages, misplaced glasses and late arrivals.
- Set aside one name badge and one name card holder per registered guest, plus at least 10% spare badges. Keep them at the registration table with the attendance list so welcoming guests does not block the bar.
- Check power requirements before setup day: coffee machines, kettles, lighting and speakers may need separate extension cords and power strips. Chill drinks several hours before opening and use coolers to keep backup stock cold.
Frequently asked questions
- How many drinks do I need for networking drinks?
- For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person, followed by one to two drinks per person for every additional hour. Add roughly 10% extra stock for late arrivals and unexpected consumption.
- How many glasses do I need for a networking event?
- Plan on one glass of each type being used per guest if glasses are not washed during the event, then add 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 wine glasses, 55 beer glasses and 55 water glasses when all three are served.
- How much food should I buy for networking drinks?
- Allow four to six bite-sized snack portions per guest for a drinks reception lasting around two hours. Buy separate food for every dietary requirement recorded in the registration list, and keep a small reserve for late guests.
- When should I chill drinks for a networking event?
- Start chilling drinks at least four hours before guests arrive, and earlier if you have limited cooler space. Keep backup bottles in coolers and check the stock again 30 minutes before opening.
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.
Organize this event for free with LizztOrganize for free and invite your contacts!