What to Buy for a Pub Quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions and a projector. Plan drinks and snacks for the full session, then check that every team has a writing surface, pens and answer forms. You will also need tableware, scorekeeping supplies, prizes and the right cables for your laptop, projector and speakers. This shopping list helps you spot the easy-to-forget items before guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 60

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
HDMI cableqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Timerqty 2

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Tongs and spoonsqty 12
Bottle openersqty 3

Supplies

Ballpoint pensqty 70
Pencilsqty 20
Erasersqty 10
Clipboardsqty 12
Answer formsqty 150
Table cardsqty 12
Score sheetsqty 20
Prizesqty 3

Decorations

Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Table décorqty 12
Tapeqty 3
Scissorsqty 3

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and squeegeeqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Beer - 60 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cheese cookies - 3 packs
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salsa sauce - 4 jars
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mini frikandellen - 3 kilos
- Mini cheese soufflés - 2 kilos
- Bitterballen - 3 kilo
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Allow roughly 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 per person for each additional hour. Add non-alcoholic options and chill drinks before setup begins.
Provide at least one working ballpoint pen per participant, plus 10–15% extra. Pencils and erasers are useful for corrections, but do not rely on them as the only writing supplies.
Count one answer form per team for each quiz round, then print 10% extra. Keep spare forms, score sheets and table cards together at the registration desk.
Check the full presentation setup at least one day before the quiz: laptop, projector, screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips all need to work together.
Buy or prepare one prize per winning team, plus a tie-breaker prize if you use one. Put prizes aside before the event so they are not forgotten during scoring and announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How many pens do I need for a pub quiz?: Plan for one pen per participant and keep 10–15% extra available. For 40 players, that means at least 40 working pens, with 4–6 spares.
How much food and drink do I need for a pub quiz?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour and 1–2 for every later hour. For snacks, prepare about 150–200 g per person for a two- to three-hour quiz, including options for stated dietary requirements.
How many answer forms should I print?: Print one answer form per team for every round, plus 10% spare copies. If you have 12 teams and 6 rounds, prepare at least 80 forms.
What equipment do I need for a pub quiz presentation?: Bring a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at least one day in advance and bring a backup copy of the quiz presentation.

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.