What to Buy for a Variety Show

A variety show needs more than snacks and drinks: performers also need a clear stage, reliable sound and a practical serving area. This shopping list covers the tableware, furniture, technical equipment and decorations needed to welcome guests and keep performances running smoothly. Plan quantities around your guest count, then allow extra time for chilling drinks, testing microphones and sorting cables. The items below are especially useful for avoiding rushed purchases on the event day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Buffet tablesqty 2
Clothes racksqty 2
Stoolsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 70
Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6
Coffee potsqty 3

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 12
Backdrop cloth
Themed lightsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 70
Tapeqty 4
Ropeqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Measuring cupsqty 2
Scissorsqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Cable traysqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Rubber glovesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Cocktail nuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini hot dogs - 6 cans
- Puff pastry snacks - 120 pieces
- Mini pizzas - 60 pieces
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Cheese cubes - 2 kilos
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan reusable plates, cups and cutlery for every guest, plus at least 10% extra for replacements and second servings. If coffee is served, count coffee cups separately rather than assuming regular cups will cover the full program.
For a performance program, allow one wireless microphone for each person speaking or performing at the same time, and keep at least one microphone stand available for fixed positions. Test all microphones, speakers and the mixer before guests arrive.
Prepare the drinks area with coolers and enough serving space for the full audience. Chill drinks several hours beforehand; drinks placed in coolers shortly before the show may still be warm when the first performance starts.
Keep extension cords, power strips and tape together with the technical equipment. Tape cables down before the room opens, and leave a clear route from the audience to the stage and exits.
Buy decorations that can be installed quickly: a backdrop cloth, bunting, balloons or themed lights, plus rope and tape for fixing them. Set up the backdrop before arranging chairs so the stage area remains accessible during technical checks.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a variety show at home?: Plan seating, a buffet table, reusable tableware, serving platters and tongs, drinks storage, snacks and basic decorations. For the performances, prepare active speakers, microphones, a mixer, a laptop and extension cords at least 2 hours before guests arrive.
How many cups and plates do I need for a variety show?: Provide one plate and one cup per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 plates and 55 cups, with separate coffee cups if coffee is on the menu.
When should I buy drinks for a variety show?: Buy non-perishable drinks and snacks 1 to 3 days in advance. Chill the drinks at least 4 hours before the event, or overnight when possible, so the coolers are ready before setup begins.
What sound equipment is needed for a variety show?: Use active speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, a mixer and a laptop for music files. Check the complete setup at least 2 hours before the show and keep extension cords and power strips available for safe connections.

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