What you need for networking drinks

A networking drinks shopping list needs more than wine and beer. You’ll need enough glassware for people who move between conversations, simple food that can be eaten standing up, and clear name badges for every guest. Plan separate supplies for the bar, buffet and coffee station, and check power access before bringing coffee machines, kettles or lights. Use your final guest count to adjust quantities one or two days before the event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 55
High tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Wine glassesqty 60
Beer glassesqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Flower arrangementsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Materials

Name badgesqty 60
Markersqty 6
Table numbersqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3
Corkscrewqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Dry white wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Brie - 1.5 kilos
- Gouda cheese - 2 kilos
- Serano ham - 1 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan around 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Include water throughout the event, not only at the bar.
Allow 4–6 small snack portions per person for a drinks reception. Buy a little extra for popular items, and keep clearly labelled dishes separate for dietary requirements.
Prepare one name badge and marker for every guest, plus at least 10% extra. Print or write the final guest list after registrations close so late changes do not leave people without a badge.
Count glassware by type before the event: provide at least one wine glass, beer glass and water glass per expected guest, with an extra 10–15% if washing during the event is not possible.
Check the venue’s sockets before setup day. Coffee machines, kettles, coolers, speakers and string lights may need separate outlets, extension cords or power strips to avoid overloading one connection.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for networking drinks?: Allow 4–6 bite-sized portions per guest for a reception lasting around two hours. Increase the amount if the event overlaps with dinner, or if no substantial meal is served later.
How many drinks should I buy for a networking event?: Plan for 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1–2 per person for every hour after that. Add water for the full guest count and keep a reserve for late arrivals.
How many name badges and markers do I need?: Prepare one badge per registered guest, plus at least 10% extra for last-minute additions or damaged badges. Keep two or three markers at the registration point so guests are not waiting to write their names.
When should I buy fresh food and chill the drinks?: Buy fresh groceries one day before the event where possible, then chill drinks several hours before guests arrive. Set out snacks shortly before opening so they stay fresh and do not warm up.

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