What to buy for a political quiz

A political quiz needs more than printed questions and a table for the quizmaster. You’ll need reliable presentation equipment, writing supplies for every team, drinks and serving items, plus a few things that keep scoring and breaks running smoothly. Plan quantities around your guest count and team size rather than buying at random. The items below cover the details people often remember too late, such as spare batteries, enough pens and a way to keep drinks cold.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 66
Tableclothqty 8
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
HDMI cableqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
AA batteriesqty 8

Game supplies

Answer paddlesqty 12
Scoreboard
Bell
Prize tables

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 72
Coffee cupsqty 66
Platesqty 72
Cutlery setsqty 72

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Water jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3

Stationery

Ballpoint pensqty 80
Markersqty 6
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3
Clipboardsqty 12

Decorations

Table number cardsqty 12
Team badgesqty 12
Flagsqty 4
Ballot boxesqty 2

Lighting

LED table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 8 liters
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Orange soda - 4 liters
- Ice tea - 4 liters
- Ginger beer - 2 liters
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Toasts - 4 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini wraps - 5 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle

Tips

Buy at least one ballpoint pen per participant, plus 10–15% extra. Pens disappear between rounds, so a political quiz with 40 players should have about 45–50 available.
Check the projector, laptop, HDMI cable, speakers and microphone at least 24 hours before the quiz. Keep extension cords and power strips together, and test the presentation from the exact position where it will be used.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Chill them in coolers before guests arrive and provide water jugs as well as glasses.
Set out one answer paddle or team card for each team, not each player, and keep spare markers nearby. A bell, scoreboard and clearly marked prize table prevent delays during scoring and awards.
Buy or prepare prizes before the event day and leave room on the prize table for them. Also count coffee cups, plates, cutlery and serving trays against the expected number of guests rather than the number of teams.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a political quiz night?: You need quiz printouts and answer sheets, pens, team cards or answer paddles, a scoreboard and bell, plus a laptop, projector, screen, HDMI cable and power equipment. Add tables, chairs, drinks, serving supplies, coffee equipment and prizes.
How many pens do I need for a political quiz?: Provide one pen per participant and bring 10–15% extra. For 40 participants, prepare about 45–50 pens so a lost or faulty pen does not interrupt a round.
How much should I buy to drink at a quiz night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two more for every following hour. Include water separately, with at least one water glass per guest and enough jugs to refill them during the evening.
When should I test the political quiz equipment?: Test the laptop, presentation, projector, HDMI connection, speakers and microphone at least 24 hours beforehand. Do a second quick check 30–60 minutes before guests arrive, including spare AA batteries and cable placement.

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