Barbecue Buffet Shopping List

A barbecue buffet needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks by guest count, then check tableware, serving equipment, cooling space and cooking tools before shopping. Buy shelf-stable supplies first and leave fresh meat and vegetables until close to the event. Dietary requirements, allergen labels, chilled drinks and enough serving utensils are the details most often missed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Buffet tablesqty 2
Chairsqty 45
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 50
Dessert platesqty 50
Bowlsqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 50
Drinking glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettle
Core thermometersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 5
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Barbecue brushesqty 2
Aluminum serving traysqty 10

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
LED light stringsqty 4
Buffet labelsqty 15

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Fire blanket

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 45 pieces
- Grill sausage - 45 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 10 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Corn cobs - 40 pieces
- Zucchini - 8 pieces
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Red onions - 2 kilograms
- Iceberg lettuce - 5 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Potatoes - 7 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 4 jars
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 3 kilograms
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 jars
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Ice cream - 5 liters
- Fresh fruit - 4 kilograms
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Beer - 6 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Lemonade - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Charcoal - 20 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers

Tips

Plan around 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian alternatives per adult, plus salads, bread and vegetables. For children, allow about 125–200 g, depending on their age and the rest of the menu.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 per hour after that. Add water and non-alcoholic options, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.
Count one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl, one cutlery set and one glass per guest, then add 10% extra. Include separate wine glasses and coffee cups if those drinks are being served.
Buy fresh meat and vegetables no earlier than 1 day ahead when possible. Marinate meat and prepare salads close to serving time, and keep cold food chilled until it goes onto the buffet.
Check that you have at least one serving spoon or pair of tongs for every dish, plus barbecue tongs and a core thermometer. Label allergens before guests arrive rather than trying to identify them during service.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a barbecue buffet?: Allow 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian alternatives per adult and 125–200 g per child. Reduce the amount slightly if you are serving several filling salads, bread and substantial side dishes.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue buffet?: Plan for 2–3 drinks per person during the first hour, followed by 1–2 drinks per person for each additional hour. Include water and non-alcoholic drinks, and buy extra ice or cooler space for keeping everything cold.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Start with one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl, one cutlery set and one drinking glass per guest, then add 10% extra. Provide separate wine glasses and coffee cups if both will be used.
When should I buy food for a barbecue buffet?: Buy non-perishable supplies several days ahead and purchase fresh meat and vegetables within 24 hours of the barbecue. Prepare salads and marinate meat as close to serving time as practical, while keeping chilled food refrigerated.

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