What to Buy for a Pub Quiz

A pub quiz needs more than questions, answer sheets and a host. You also need a workable drinks and serving setup, prizes, and reliable equipment for displaying questions and playing music clips. Plan quantities around the number of teams and the length of the evening, then buy chilled drinks and consumables close to the event. Check cables, power and presentation equipment before guests arrive so a missing adapter does not delay the first round.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 70
Changing room table
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 70

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Laptop
Spare laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
HDMI cablesqty 2
USB stickqty 2
Stopwatchqty 2
Calculatorsqty 4

Decorations

Table numbersqty 10
Tableclothsqty 10
Balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Prizesqty 3

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Dish brushesqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Beer - 72 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Pretzels - 4 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Mini cheese cubes - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mini pizzas - 80 pieces
- Vegetarian mini snacks - 60 pieces
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 3 pairs

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one to two for each additional hour. Add water and allow extra coffee, cups and milk if the quiz runs through a meal period.
Prepare one answer form per team for every round, plus at least 10 spare sheets. Keep pens, calculators and a stopwatch at the quiz table rather than leaving teams to search for them.
Buy prizes for the planned number of winning places and one tie-break option. Keep them together in a labelled bag so the host can hand them out without stopping the quiz.
Test the projector, screen, speakers, microphone and laptop at least one day before the event. Pack a spare laptop, USB stick, HDMI cable, extension cords and power strips as backups.
Chill drinks at least four hours before doors open and set out serving trays, bowls, tongs and spoons before guests arrive. Put waste bins where teams can reach them without blocking the quiz table or exits.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a pub quiz?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one to two per person for every hour after that. Include water for everyone, then adjust soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic drinks to your registrations and dietary requirements.
What equipment do I need for a pub quiz?: For a presentation or music round, plan a laptop, projector, projection screen, speakers, microphone, HDMI cables and power extensions. Bring a spare laptop, USB stick and backup cables, and test everything at least 24 hours beforehand.
How many answer sheets should I print for a pub quiz?: Print one answer sheet per team for every quiz round, then add at least 10 spare sheets. Keep a printed attendance list and team assignments with the host so late changes can be handled quickly.
When should I buy and chill drinks for a pub quiz?: Buy drinks and other non-perishable supplies several days before the quiz. Chill the drinks at least four hours before guests arrive, and check cups, glasses, plates, cutlery and coffee supplies during the final shopping check.

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