What to Buy for a Pub Quiz
A pub quiz needs more than questions and answer sheets. Plan drinks and snacks for the full evening, plus tableware, prizes and the equipment that keeps every round running smoothly. This shopping list covers the practical items around registration, team tables, serving food and presenting the quiz. Check quantities against your guest count, then buy chilled drinks, ice and fresh snacks close to the event so they are ready when the venue opens.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 7
- Chairsqty 55
- Registration desk
Tableware
- Reusable drinking glassesqty 60
- Coffee cupsqty 30
- Platesqty 60
- Cutlery setsqty 60
- Serving bowlsqty 8
- Serving plattersqty 6
Equipment
- Laptop
- Projector
- Projection screen
- Speakersqty 2
- Microphone
- HDMI cable
- Extension cordsqty 3
- Power stripsqty 3
- Timerqty 2
- Calculatorsqty 4
Kitchen
- Coffee makerqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Coolersqty 3
- Ice cube traysqty 3
- Bottle openersqty 3
- Serving spoonsqty 6
Decorations
- Tableclothsqty 7
- Buntingqty 3
- Balloonsqty 50
- Team table cardsqty 7
- Round signsqty 8
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 4
- Trash bag holderqty 2
Catering
- Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini cheese cubes - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Vegan snack mix - 3 bags
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Sugar packets - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 1 pack
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
Tips
- Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two for each additional hour. Add at least one non-alcoholic option for every guest and chill drinks before participants arrive.
- Buy one plate, glass and cutlery set per person, plus 10% extra for breakages or forgotten items. For coffee, allow one cup per guest and keep spare cups for volunteers and quiz hosts.
- Prepare one prize per winning team, not just one prize per person. Buy and wrap the prizes at least two days before the quiz so the final setup is not delayed.
- Bring enough extension cords and power strips to connect the laptop, projector, speakers and microphone without cables crossing walkways. Test the HDMI connection and presentation at least 60 minutes before registration opens.
- Use one team table card and one round sign for each table or round you plan to run. Put answer forms, pens, calculators and the timer at the registration or host desk before the first team checks in.
Frequently asked questions
- How many drinks do I need for a pub quiz?
- Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that. Include water and other non-alcoholic drinks, and buy ice for chilling several hours before the quiz.
- What food should I buy for a pub quiz?
- Choose easy-to-serve snacks that can be eaten at team tables, and plan roughly two to four portions per person per hour. Buy dietary alternatives after collecting requirements, ideally no later than three days before the event.
- How many prizes do I need for a pub quiz?
- Buy at least one prize for every winning team, with extra prizes if you plan runner-up or individual awards. Have the prizes wrapped at least two days in advance so they are ready when the quiz ends.
- What equipment is needed for a pub quiz?
- For a presentation-led quiz, prepare a laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips. Test every connection at least 60 minutes before participants arrive, and bring a timer plus spare batteries where applicable.
Plans a lot like this one
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!