What to buy for a pub quiz night

A pub quiz needs more than questions and a projector. Plan drinks for the welcome period and each quiz round, plus cups, plates and serving equipment for snacks. The quiz table also needs reliable power, connection cables and a way to keep drinks cold. This shopping list covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook, including coffee and tea equipment, waste bins and small serving tools.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 56
Bar matsqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
HDMI cableqty 2
Power bankqty 2

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 50
Platesqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 12
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Bottle openersqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Scissorsqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Quiz signsqty 8
Team numbersqty 8
Prize trophiesqty 3
Party flagsqty 4
Tapeqty 3
Clipboard

Lighting

Table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Rosé - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Mini pizzas - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian mini pizzas - 24 pieces
- Vegan mini pizzas - 12 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each following hour. Buy a mix of chilled and non-alcoholic options rather than relying on last-minute bar stock.
Prepare one response form and one pen for every team, plus at least 10% extra. Print the quiz presentation and answer sheets before the day so a printer problem does not delay the first round.
Test the laptop, projector, speakers, microphone and HDMI cable at least 24 hours before the quiz. Pack one spare power strip and extension cord, and keep a power bank available for phones used by the host.
Set aside enough glasses, coffee cups and teaspoons for one full service round, with 10% extra for breakages and forgotten cups. Put bottle openers, serving spoons, scissors and bread knives at the bar or buffet before guests arrive.
Buy prizes before registrations close, so you know how many winning teams or special awards need something. Chill drinks for at least 4 hours and prepare coffee and tea supplies 30 minutes before doors open.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a pub quiz night?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one drink per person for every additional hour. Add around 10% extra for unexpected guests or spills.
How many quiz answer sheets should I print?: Print one answer sheet per team for every round, plus at least 10% spare copies. For 12 teams playing 6 rounds, print 80 sheets to cover the 72 required forms and possible mistakes.
How early should I buy and chill drinks for a pub quiz?: Buy the drinks at least 1 day before the event so you can check quantities and dietary requirements. Chill them for a minimum of 4 hours, or use coolers with ice on the day.
What equipment do I need to test before a pub quiz starts?: Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cable and power connections at least 24 hours beforehand. Repeat a full presentation and sound check 60 minutes before guests arrive.

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