What to Buy for a Variety Show

A variety show needs more than snacks and drinks: performers also need reliable microphones, power access, lighting, and a clear stage area. Plan tableware for every guest plus a few extras, and separate serving equipment from the items guests use themselves. Drinks need cooling before doors open, while coffee and tea require enough cups, hot water, and thermos flasks to last through the programme. This list helps you shop for the front of house, buffet, cloakroom, and performance setup.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Coat rackqty 2
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Microphone standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Cable matsqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage backdrop
Name badgesqty 80

Tableware

Glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving trays with lidsqty 6

Cleaning

Washing-up basinsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 96 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Bitterballen - 300 pieces
- Vegetarian bitterballen - 100 pieces
- Mini frikandels - 200 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 kilograms
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Carrots - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Toast - 12 packs
- Herb butter - 12 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls

Tips

Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep extra stock in coolers.
Buy or bring tableware for the full guest list, plus around 10% extra: glasses, coffee cups, plates, and cutlery are easily lost during a busy buffet service.
Plan coffee and tea for about one cup per guest during the event. Prepare enough hot water for the first service before opening, and keep refills in thermos flasks.
Do not leave sound and power supplies until the last minute. Check that the mixer, laptop, active speakers, wireless microphones, microphone stands, extension cords, and power strips work together before the show day.
Bring cable mats for every cable crossing a walkway, and prepare stage and entrance items separately. A coat rack, name badges, tablecloths, and serving utensils are often forgotten when attention is focused on the performances.

Frequently asked questions

How much food and drink do I need for a variety show?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one per person for every extra hour. For snacks, allow approximately 150 to 200 grams per guest if there is no full meal, with extra portions for a longer programme.
How many microphones are needed for a variety show?: Use at least two wireless microphones if performers or presenters need to change quickly, and keep one spare microphone available when possible. Match them with a mixer, active speakers, stands, and tested cables before the event.
How much tableware should I buy for a variety show?: Start with one glass, plate, cutlery set, and coffee cup per guest, then add about 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each reusable item where practical.
When should I chill drinks for a variety show?: Chill drinks at least 6 hours before guests arrive; large quantities may need overnight cooling. Set out only part of the stock at first and keep the rest in coolers for refills during the programme.

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.