What to buy for a barbecue evening

A barbecue evening needs more than meat and charcoal. Plan food and drinks around the confirmed guest count, then allow for vegetarian portions and dietary requirements before you shop. You will also need serving dishes, reusable tableware, cooling space and safe BBQ tools. Buy perishables on the day or one day before, keep them refrigerated, and chill drinks several hours ahead. This checklist also covers the practical items people often remember only when guests arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentqty 2
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tablesqty 2
Beer tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Glassesqty 50
Coffee mugsqty 30

Equipment

Barbecueqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Party speaker
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 2
Fire extinguisher

Kitchen

BBQ tongsqty 4
BBQ spatulasqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Lanternsqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 30 pieces
- Beef sausage links - 30 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 30 pieces
- Bacon slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 36 pieces
- Hot dog buns - 36 pieces
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Mixed salad - 3 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Corn cobs - 30 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Cheddar slices - 40 slices
- Pickles - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 jars
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Beer - 4 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 six-packs
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Ice lollies - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Sandwich bags - 1 box
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Charcoal - 4 bags
- Firelighters - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan roughly 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian food per adult, depending on sides, and add separate vegetarian portions before buying the main food.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour. Chill the first batch at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
Buy or check one plate, bowl, glass, fork, knife and spoon per guest, plus at least 10% extra for drops, seconds and late arrivals.
Keep raw meat, salads and other chilled food refrigerated until serving. Portion meat and vegetables on separate cutting boards, and prepare salads no more than 24 hours ahead.
Arrange the BBQs, charcoal, tongs, spatulas and heatproof serving space before shopping is finished. If you need a party tent, tables or coolers, reserve them at least 1 week ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a barbecue evening?: Plan 250–350 g of meat or vegetarian food per adult, plus 2–3 side portions per person. Add 10% extra if the guest count is uncertain or the evening will last more than 3 hours.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue?: Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that. For a 20-person evening lasting 4 hours, that means roughly 100–120 drinks, including alcohol-free options.
When should I do the shopping for a barbecue evening?: Buy fresh meat, salads and other chilled food on the day itself or no more than 1 day before. Reserve equipment and furniture at least 1 week ahead, especially during busy weekends.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Start with 1 plate, 1 bowl, 1 glass and 1 full set of cutlery per guest, then add at least 10% extra. For 30 guests, prepare 33 of each item where possible.

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.