What to buy for a barbecue tasting

A barbecue tasting needs smaller portions and more serving equipment than a regular cookout. Plan each guest for several tasting rounds, then add enough plates, glasses, tongs, trays, and cooler space to keep everything moving. Meat and vegetarian options should stay refrigerated until grilling, while drinks need time to chill. Use the plan below as your complete shopping and equipment checklist, and confirm dietary requirements before ordering.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 45
Buffet tablesqty 3
Tableclothqty 9

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable bowlsqty 45
Reusable glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 45
Knivesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Spoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Barbecuesqty 3
Gas cylindersqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettle
Extension cordsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Serving plattersqty 10
Meat Tongsqty 6
Aluminum traysqty 12
Kitchen scale
Cooling racksqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Waste sorting binsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Litter picker
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 45 pieces
- Chicken skewers - 45 pieces
- Pork satay - 45 pieces
- Chipolata sausages - 45 pieces
- Marinated chicken breast - 2,5 kilo
- Steak tips - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 12 pieces
- Vegetarian skewers - 12 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Garlic butter - 500 grams
- Potatoes - 5 kilos
- Corn cobs - 25 pieces
- Zucchinis - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Mushrooms - 1.5 kilos
- Red onions - 2 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Coleslaw - 2 kilos
- Feta cheese - 750 grams
- Olives - 3 jars
- Potato salad - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Peanut sauce - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Sunflower oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh garlic - 4 bulbs
- Fresh parsley - 4 bunches
- Strawberries - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Watermelon - 2 pieces
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Still water - 10 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 72 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Charcoal - 15 kilos
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

For a tasting with three to four rounds, prepare about 150–200 g of raw meat or vegetarian alternatives per guest in total, divided into small portions rather than full servings.
Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour after that. Chill drinks in advance and leave enough cooler space for ice.
Set out one reusable plate, glass, knife, fork, and spoon per guest, plus at least 20% extra for replacements and guests who return for another tasting round.
Keep separate cutting boards, knives, tongs, and serving platters for raw and cooked food. Prepare aluminum trays for each tasting round so cooked items do not sit on raw-meat equipment.
Check gas cylinders, charcoal, extension cords, and the weather forecast at least one day before the tasting. Put up party tents and string lights early enough to finish safely before guests arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How much meat do I need for a barbecue tasting per person?: For three to four tasting rounds, plan about 150–200 g of raw meat or vegetarian alternatives per person in total. Split that amount across the rounds instead of serving standard barbecue portions.
How many drinks should I buy for a barbecue tasting?: Buy enough for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add water and allow extra cooler capacity for ice and unopened bottles.
How many plates and glasses do I need for a barbecue tasting?: Start with one plate and one glass per guest, then add at least 20% extra. For 25 guests, that means at least 30 plates and 30 glasses, plus matching cutlery where needed.
When should I prepare the food for a barbecue tasting?: Wash and cut vegetables, prepare marinades and sauces, and make salads or desserts on the day before where possible. Keep meat refrigerated until shortly before grilling, and prepare tasting portions close to serving time.

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.