What to buy for a pub quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions and answer sheets. You also need drinks, serving supplies, coffee equipment, table numbers and a reliable setup for showing questions and playing audio clips. Plan quantities around your guest count, then check what the venue already provides before shopping. The list below covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, especially extension leads, spare batteries, chilled drinks and enough cups for the whole evening.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Rechargeable batteriesqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Quiz table numbersqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Prize table sign

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4

Catering

Prizesqty 3
Pen setsqty 10
Answer formsqty 400
Team name badgesqty 80
Name stickersqty 80
Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 3 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Peanuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Liver sausage - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then roughly one to two drinks per person for each additional hour. Add water separately so guests are not relying only on soft drinks or alcohol.
Count one reusable glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, plus at least 10% extra. Extra serving platters, tongs and coffee cups prevent queues when items are in use or need washing.
Buy or bring coffee supplies for the late part of the quiz: allow one cup per person if the event runs beyond two hours, and check that the kettles, coffee maker and thermos flasks all work before guests arrive.
Test the laptop, projector, screen, speakers and microphone together at least one day before the quiz. Pack extension cords, power strips and rechargeable batteries; these are often missing when the venue setup begins.
Prepare prizes by team rather than by individual if teams are used. Have the prizes wrapped and ready before opening the venue, and keep printed quiz materials, answer forms and table numbers together at the registration desk.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a pub quiz?: For the first hour, allow two to three drinks per person. For every following hour, plan another one to two drinks per person, plus water and a small buffer of about 10%.
What equipment do I need to show a pub quiz?: You need a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers and a microphone if the room is large. Test the complete setup at least 24 hours beforehand and bring extension cords, power strips and spare rechargeable batteries.
How many glasses and plates should I buy for a pub quiz?: Provide one glass, plate and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 40 guests, that means at least 44 of each item, unless the venue has washing facilities available during the event.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a pub quiz?: Do the main shopping one to two days before the quiz and chill drinks on the day, ideally at least four hours before guests arrive. Check coolers and ice cube trays before opening the venue.

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