What to buy for an autumn barbecue

An autumn barbecue needs more than meat and charcoal-free optimism: plan for cool weather, shorter daylight and food that can be served indoors or under cover. This shopping list covers the barbecue setup, buffet service, drinks, preparation equipment and autumn lighting. Buy or borrow the practical items before shopping for fresh food, and check the gas supply and weather forecast at least two days ahead. Keep meat refrigerated until it is ready to cook.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Buffet tablesqty 2
Folding table

Tableware

Platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 30
Forksqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Spoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving trays with lidsqty 4
Aluminum traysqty 8
Pliersqty 4
Oven mittsqty 3

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Gas cylindersqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettle
Extension cordsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Outdoor lightsqty 4

Decorations

Autumn leavesqty 3
Table runnersqty 6
Lanternsqty 8
LED candlesqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Dish brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Hamburgers - 40 pieces
- Grilled sausages - 30 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 45 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 35 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic butter - 4 tubs
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 4 kilograms
- Mixed green salad - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 5 liters
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Barbecue charcoal - 12 kilogram
- Firelighters - 2 packs
- Beer - 5 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Red wine - 8 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 3 packs

Tips

Allow around 250–300 g of meat or other barbecue food per adult, then add salads, bread and desserts separately. Buy extra vegetables if you are preparing several salads or serving vegetarian guests.
Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then one drink per person per hour. Chill drinks in coolers rather than relying on the refrigerator space you also need for meat and prepared salads.
For an autumn setup, arrange a party tent or another covered area before guests arrive. Add outdoor lights and string lights, and keep extension cords away from wet ground and walking routes.
Buy or set aside enough plates, glasses, forks, knives and spoons for every guest, plus about 10% extra. Serving spoons, platters and trays with lids prevent guests from using eating utensils for buffet dishes.
Keep disposable or reusable aluminum trays available for cooked food and leftovers. Prepare salads and marinades ahead of time, but keep meat refrigerated until the barbecue is lit and ready.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for an autumn barbecue?: Plan 250–300 g of barbecue food per adult, excluding bread, salads and dessert. For children, 150–200 g is usually enough, depending on their age and appetite.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Allow two to three drinks per guest for the first hour, followed by one drink per person per hour. Add water and non-alcoholic options for the full duration of the barbecue.
When should I buy meat for an autumn barbecue?: Buy fresh meat no earlier than 1–2 days before the event and keep it refrigerated throughout. Move it to a cooler only shortly before cooking, and do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
What do I need for an autumn barbecue in the dark?: Use outdoor lights or string lights, extension cords and a safe covered route between the barbecue, buffet tables and seating. Set up the lighting at least 1 hour before guests arrive so you can test it while there is still daylight.

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