What to buy for an anniversary barbecue

An anniversary barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks around the final guest count, then check tableware, serving equipment, coolers and weather protection before shopping. Glasses, coffee supplies and waste bins are easy to overlook when the focus is on the grill. This checklist also covers practical items for setting up the buffet, keeping drinks cold and cleaning the venue afterwards.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
High tablesqty 3
Tableclothqty 8

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Barbecueqty 2
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Outdoor thermometer

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Anniversary bannerqty 2
Table décorqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dishpanqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguisher
Fire blanket
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 45 pieces
- Barbecue sausages - 45 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Veggie burgers - 15 pieces
- Corn cobs - 25 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 15 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 3 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Feta - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Sambal - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Watermelon - 2 pieces
- Ice cream - 4 boxes
- Anniversary cake - 1 piece
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Prosecco - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Charcoal - 6 bags
- Firelighters - 3 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Cocktail sticks - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 3 packs
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan food quantities only after registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed. Include separate portions of vegetables and suitable side dishes rather than assuming every guest will eat the same menu.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour. Chill drinks before guests arrive and leave extra capacity in the coolers for ice.
Count tableware against the final guest list, then add roughly 10% extra plates, cutlery and drinking glasses. Keep wine glasses and coffee cups separate if both will be served.
Check that the barbecue, tongs, cutting boards and chef’s knife are ready at least one day ahead. Test the barbecue and gas before the event, not when the first food is waiting.
Plan for an outdoor evening as well as the meal itself. Have the party tent, tables, chairs, extension cords, string lights, LED lamps, waste bins and cleaning supplies ready before setup begins.

Frequently asked questions

What food do I need for an anniversary barbecue?: Plan the main dishes, vegetables, salads, pastries and dessert from the confirmed guest count. Shop after dietary requirements are collected, and buy about 10% extra servings for popular dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for an anniversary barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by about one drink per hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options for every guest, and keep enough cooler space for ice.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Buy one complete place setting per guest plus around 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means at least 33 plates, cutlery sets and drinking glasses, with additional wine glasses or coffee cups if needed.
What barbecue supplies do people often forget?: Serving platters, serving spoons, cutting boards, a chef’s knife and barbecue tongs are commonly missed. Check these items at least one day before the event, along with the barbecue and gas supply.

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