What to Buy for a Trial Quiz

A trial quiz needs more than questions and answer sheets. You will also need tasting glasses, serving equipment, drinks, snacks and a clear setup for teams, screens and sound. Plan quantities from the confirmed participant list, then add a small buffer for breakages, spills and late arrivals. Buy shelf-stable items first and leave chilled drinks, fresh snacks and sample products until close to the event.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 48
Buffet tablesqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable tasting glassesqty 120
Water glassesqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 50

Kitchen

Serving boardsqty 12
Small bowlsqty 20
Serving tongsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Wireless microphone
Speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Pensqty 60
Suggestion boxesqty 8

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothqty 8
Table numbersqty 8
Welcome sign
Prize trophy

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dishpanqty 2
Broom and dustpan
Mop and bucket

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Wraps - 24 pieces
- Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Brie - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilogram
- Raw ham - 750 grams
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Sun-dried tomatoes - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Pears - 20 pieces
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted nuts - 1 kilogram
- Unsalted nuts - 500 grams
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Dark chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Milk chocolate - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 48 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Pesto - 3 jars
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Craft beer - 48 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Allow one reusable tasting glass per participant for each round, plus at least 10% extra. If glasses are not washed between rounds, buy or borrow enough for all samples at once.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks several hours before guests arrive and keep a separate supply of water available.
Prepare one plate or small bowl for each tasting sample, with serving tongs or utensils that will not be shared between different products. Buy a few spare bowls in case a sample needs replacing.
Match the number of pens to the number of teams, not the number of guests, and keep at least two spare pens at the quiz table. Print one answer sheet per team for every round, plus a few extra copies.
Check power and presentation equipment at least one day before the quiz. Count the extension cords and power strips needed for the laptop, projector, screen, microphone and speakers, and bring one backup connection if available.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a trial quiz?: Plan two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person per additional hour. For snacks, prepare at least two portions per person per hour, with extra options based on the dietary requirements collected during registration.
How many tasting glasses do I need for a quiz tasting round?: Use one glass per participant for each round if glasses are not washed between samples. Add 10% extra, so a group of 30 needs 33 glasses per round.
When should I buy the supplies for a trial quiz?: Buy tableware, serving equipment, pens and decorations three to seven days ahead. Purchase chilled drinks, fresh snacks and perishable sample products one day before, then chill the drinks several hours before guests arrive.
How many pens and answer sheets should I prepare?: Prepare one pen and one answer sheet per team for every quiz round, not per guest. Add at least two spare pens and three extra answer sheets to cover losses, damaged pages or a last-minute team change.

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