What to buy for a barbecue lunch

A barbecue lunch needs more than meat and charcoal. This shopping list covers the food, drinks, servingware, cooking equipment and outdoor setup for a smooth meal. Confirm your guest count and dietary requirements before buying, then use the quantities below as a planning guide. Allow about 250–300 g of main food per adult, including meat and vegetarian options, plus side dishes, dessert and drinks.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Party tentsqty 2
Buffet tablesqty 2
Tablecloth clipsqty 24

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable bowlsqty 50
Reusable glassesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Aluminum traysqty 8
Meat thermometersqty 2

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Table décorqty 8
Party buntingqty 6
Menusqty 6
Waste signsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Reusable cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 50 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 40 pieces
- Pork satay - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian vegetable skewers - 20 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 55 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic butter - 500 grams
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Corn cobs - 20 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Zucchini - 1,5 kilogram
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Eggs - 10 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 liter
- Ketchup - 1 liter
- Mustard - 500 milliliter
- Garlic sauce - 1 liter
- Barbecue sauce - 1 liter
- Sambal - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Potato salad - 3 kilogram
- Pasta salad - 3 kilograms
- Coleslaw - 2 kilograms
- Feta cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Strawberries - 2 kilograms
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 48 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Honey - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 15 kilograms
- Charcoal - 15 kilogram
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Paper napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan 250–300 g of main food per adult, with at least one vegetarian or vegan option for every guest who needs it. Add 150–200 g of salads, bread or other side dishes per person.
Buy drinks for the whole lunch rather than only the meal itself: allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per hour afterward. Chill them at least 4 hours before guests arrive.
Count tableware at 1.5 sets per guest if washing up during lunch is not practical. Include plates, bowls, glasses, cutlery and coffee cups, and keep 10 extra sets for breakages and unexpected guests.
Do not leave serving equipment until the last minute. Set aside at least 2 serving platters and 2 pairs of tongs per barbecue, plus cutting boards and separate knives for cooked food and raw ingredients.
Check the outdoor setup the day before: reserve enough barbecues, tables and chairs, and arrange party tents if rain or strong sun is possible. Place coolers and waste bins where guests can reach them without crossing the cooking area.

Frequently asked questions

How much food do I need for a barbecue lunch per person?: Allow 250–300 g of main food per adult, including meat, fish or vegetarian alternatives. Add around 150–200 g of salads, bread and other sides, plus one dessert portion per person and 10% extra for a buffet.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue lunch?: For the first hour, plan on 2–3 drinks per person, then about 1 drink per person per hour. For a three-hour lunch, that means roughly 4–5 drinks per guest, with water and non-alcoholic choices included.
How many plates, glasses and cutlery sets do I need?: Buy or bring 1.5 tableware sets per guest when there is no dishwasher or washing-up plan. For 20 guests, that is 30 plates, 30 bowls, 30 glasses and 30 cutlery sets, plus coffee cups if coffee is served.
When should I do the shopping for a barbecue lunch?: Buy drinks, disposable or reusable serving supplies and non-perishable ingredients 2–3 days ahead. Buy fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables no more than 1 day before, then marinate food and chill drinks on the day of the lunch.

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