What to buy for an anniversary barbecue

An anniversary barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the food, drinks, serving items, furniture, barbecue equipment, lighting and decorations needed for a smooth outdoor celebration. Use your guest count to scale quantities, then separate non-perishable items from fresh groceries. Check dietary requirements before buying, and leave time to chill drinks, marinate food and set up tables, buffet areas and waste points.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 2
High tablesqty 3

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 45
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Lightersqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Serving plattersqty 10
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Scissorsqty 2
Aluminum foilqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 50
Tableclothsqty 8
Menusqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 40 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 pieces
- Chipolata sausages - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mixed salad - 2 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Zucchini - 2 kilogram
- Mushrooms - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Raw vegetable salad - 2 kilograms
- Feta - 500 grams
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Paprika powder - 1 can
- Garlic powder - 1 canister
- Mixed herbs - 2 cans
- Strawberries - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Watermelons - 2 pieces
- Ice - 5 liters
- Cake - 2 pieces
- Whipped cream - 4 cans
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 bags
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 24 cans
- Beer - 72 cans
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Charcoal - 12 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Buy extra water and non-alcoholic options so guests are not dependent on alcohol.
Allow at least one dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, knife and fork per guest, plus 10% extra. For 30 guests, that means 33 of each basic item.
Buy fresh meat, vegetables, salads and bread no more than one day before the barbecue. Marinate meat and vegetables several hours ahead, keeping raw food chilled until cooking.
Set aside one serving spoon or pair of tongs for every shared dish, including salads, sauces and grilled vegetables. Mixing bowls, cutting boards and a chef’s knife are easiest to forget until preparation starts.
Plan lighting and weather cover before the day itself: put up party tents early enough to secure them, and use string lights or LED lamps for the area around tables, buffet tables and the barbecue.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an anniversary barbecue?: Allow about 400–500 g of food per adult in total, including meat, vegetables, salads and bread. Add 10% extra for a mixed group or guests who are likely to stay for several hours.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for each additional hour. For a four-hour barbecue with 20 guests, that is roughly 100–120 drinks, including water and non-alcoholic choices.
When should I buy groceries for an anniversary barbecue?: Buy non-perishable items and drinks several days ahead, then buy meat, vegetables, salads and bread one day before. Chill drinks at least 12 hours before guests arrive if possible.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue?: Start with one of each item per guest and add 10% extra for breakages, replacements and second servings. For 40 guests, prepare at least 44 dinner plates, dessert plates, glasses, knives and forks.

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